Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Aston Villa man linked, Cardiff City close in on signing plus Nottingham Forest blow

Despite a lack of transfer activity in the Championship so far, speculation looks set to increase over the next few weeks as clubs finalise their squads for the second half of the campaign.

Over the weekend Boro were linked with Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane, who has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park.

According to TeamTeam, Boro and Swansea are interested in the 29-year-old, with Villa ready to listen to offers.

Despite the report, signing another central midfield isn’t Boro’s priority this month, with Warnock keen to sign another wide player on loan.

The Teessiders have recently welcomed back Jonny Howson from injury, while George Saville and Sam Morsy have impressed in the middle of the park this campaign.

Cardiff ‘close in’ on Crewe captain

Another Villa player who has been linked with Boro is defender Frederic Guilbert.

It was claimed last week that a number of Championship clubs, including Cardiff, Boro and Bristol City, were interested in the 26-year-old, who can play across the back four.

Cardiff were said to be closing in on a deal to bring the right-back to South Wales, yet the Bluebirds appear to have turned their attention elsewhere.

Sky Sports have reported that Crewe right-back Perry Ng is set to sign for Cardiff and become the club’s second signing of the month.

Grosicki latest

Finally, West Brom winger Kamil Grosiki has reportedly rejected an offer to join Nottingham Forest.

The 32-year-old winger was close to joining Forest on loan back in October but the deal wasn’t completed in time on transfer deadline day.

Grosiki, who has also been linked with Boro, appeared to be surplus to requirements at West Brom but made his first league start of the season in the Baggies’ 3-2 win over Wolves on Saturday.

According to Football Insider, the Polish winger is now happy to stay at the Hawthorns despite manager Sam Allardyce giving him the green light to leave.

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