Middlesbrough FC transfer Q&A: Yannick Bolasie, Duncan Watmore and Patrick Roberts' positions assessed

Boro have already made one new addition after bringing in goalkeeper Jordan Archer on a free transfer, while fellow stopper Dejan Stojanovic has left on loan.

Manager Neil Warnock remains hopeful the club can make a couple more signings in the next few weeks, while talks are taking place with Premier League clubs about potential loan deals.

We take a closer look at some of the big questions and talking points from the Riverside:

Are Boro likely to go back in for Yannick Bolasie?

Warnock wants to sign another wide player and has a good relationship with Bolasie who he worked with at Crystal Palace.

It’s been well documented the Everton winger was close to joining Boro on loan in October but a deal wasn’t completed in time.

The transfer appeared to suit everyone - Bolasie was surplus to requirements at Everton and Boro wanted another wideman. Neither of those things have changed.

Yet both parties appear a little more reserved about the move a couple of months down the line.

Bolasie has said he still sees himself as a Premier League player and wants his next project to be a long-term one.

Warnock has also said Boro are assessing other options with names being put to them all the time.

It may be a case that when things settle, Bolasie decides Boro is the best option. Warnock will want to get his transfer business done early, though, and won’t want a repeat of last year’s deadline day.

What’s happening with Duncan Watmore?

Watmore’s contract is set to expire after Boro’s Championship game against Birmingham on January 16.

Boro have offered the forward a new contract but it seems there has been interest from elsewhere.

Several clubs have been linked with Watmore, including Premier League teams Burnley and West Brom, yet it’s unclear how serious that is.

Boro clearly feel they have made a fair offer as Warnock said last week he feels the time for talking is over.

It would be a surprise if Watmore doesn’t stay with the Teessiders until at least the end of the season, especially due to his injury record and the fact he was close to moving to India before joining Boro.

The forward has fitted in well at Rockliffe, gets on well with his team-mates and is performing for a manager who values him. After years of injury setbacks, Watmore won’t take those things for granted.

Will Patrick Roberts leave this month?

When Boro were pushing for an equaliser at Sheffield Wednesday last week, it was telling that Roberts was left on the bench.

Warnock wants to sign another wide player who can contribute with goals and assists, yet the Manchester City loanee has barely had a look in.

It is a surprise that Roberts hasn’t played more given that he impressed Warnock last season and was keen to return to the Riverside

Yet the Boro boss clearly doesn’t feel Roberts is the answer and opted to play Marcus Browne in the No 10 position at Wycombe on Saturday.

Roberts will surely be frustrated by the situation and want to be at a club where he can play regularly.

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