Middlesbrough linked with Rangers' Jordan Jones again yet striker targets remain the priority for Neil Warnock

The 25-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements at Rangers but has a contract at Ibrox until 2023.

Jones came through the academy at Boro but left the club in 2016 before reviving his career in the SPL with Kilmarnock.

The Teessiders were linked with Jones back in January when Jonathan Woodgate was in charge, yet it’s thought he wasn’t on the club’s radar at that point.

It’s believed Boro enquired about Jones during pre-season, yet it’s unclear if he remains a realistic target.

Manager Neil Warnock has deployed a 3-5-2 formation for his side’s first three competitive fixtures, making it difficult to incorporate natural wingers into the system.

On Monday the Boro boss said a move for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts was unlikely due to a lack of defensive full-backs.

Sky Sports have since reported that Boro, QPR and Preston have also expressed an interest in Jones, yet none have made a concrete offer for the player.

Warnock has made it clear his priority is to sign two more strikers before the end of the transfer window next month, with former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom said to be on their radar.

When asked if Boro are looking to sign another attacking midfielder before the end of the transfer window, Warnock said he wanted to have a closer look at Lewis Wing and Marcus Tavernier in advanced positions.

“I think if Wing played to his potential I think you’ve got a good player,” said Warnock during Monday’s press conference.

“I’ve not seen enough of Wingy yet, I’m hoping tomorrow - I’m giving you a clue that he’ll be playing - I’d like to think he can take a game by the scruff of the neck and show me what he’s all about.

“Other than that I’m quite pleased with how Tav has played in that role, I’d be more concerned about getting strikers in to give us a change so the midfielders have got something different to play with.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.