Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Former winger linked with shock move as West Ham step up goalkeeper search

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate has repeatedly said the club are looking to strengthen in the new year, yet there have also been reminders that Boro will have to abide by Financial Fair Play regulations.

One option would be to dip into the loan market to beef up the Teessiders’ extremely thin squad.

And, over the weekend, one national newspaper linked Boro with a shock move for former winger Jordan Jones.

The 25-year-old left the Riverside to join Kilmarnock in 2016 and was snapped up by Rangers earlier this year.

Yet Jones has missed a large part of this campaign with a knee injury, which has reduced the Northern Ireland international to just four SPL appearances since the summer.

And, according to the Daily Mail, Boro and Championship rivals Stoke have both looked at a possible loan deal for Jones.

Randolph speculation rumbles on

Boro will also be hoping to keep hold of their prized assets next month – including first-choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

The Republic of Ireland international, 32, has been linked with a return to Premier League side West Ham in recent weeks, with the Hammer looking for back-up between the sticks.

Other names have been mentioned while it’s also been claimed the London club aren’t prepared to meet Boro’s asking price.

According to a report in the Sun last week, West Ham will make a move for Cardiff’s Neil Etheridge if they miss out on Randolph.