Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Championship clubs tracking Liverpool man plus reported target misses Carabao Cup tie

The Boro boss has said he wants to sign two more strikers and another midfielder before the end of the window but has seen former targets move elsewhere.

Reported target in high demand

One area where Boro do look short of options is at centre-back, following the departures of George Friend, Ryan Shotton, Daniel Ayala and Harold Moukoudi in recent months.

Earlier this week the Teessiders were credited with interest in Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, who is expected to leave Anfield this summer.

Several Championship clubs are said to be tracking the 23-year-old, with the Daily Express claiming Blackburn, Bristol City and Swansea are all keen.

The report claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is willing to entertain both loan and permanent deals for the Bolton Wanderers academy graduate.

Midfielder linked

Another name which has emerged over the last few days is that of Wigan midfielder Sam Morsy.

According to Football Insider, Boro have set their sights on poaching the 28-year-old who made 43 Championship appearances for the Latics last season.

Morsy wasn’t in Wigan’s squad for their Carabao Cup game against Fleetwood on Saturday.

The Egypt international captained Wigan last season and was voted the club’s Player of the Year.

New roles for Boro duo

Finally, Boro duo Paddy McNair and George Saville both played 90 minutes during Northern Ireland’s 1-1 Nations League draw in Romania on Friday.

The Green and White Army were reduced to 10 men in the first half before substitute Gavin Whyte snatched a late equaliser four minutes from time.

Both players were handed new roles in manager Ian Baraclough’s first game, with McNair playing in an advanced midfield role while Saville started on the left of a front three.

The pair are also likely to be involved in Monday’s match against Norway after missing Boro’s Carabao Cup win over Shrewsbury.

Both players should be available for the Teessiders’ Championship opener at Watford next Friday.

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