Middlesbrough Q&A: Could Yannick Bolasie sign permanently from Everton and what is Neil Warnock's strongest side?

The Teessiders made five new signings in January and, despite a 4-1 defeat by Brentford, Boro boss Neil Warnock was feeling optimistic after the weekend’s fixture.

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

Could Boro sign Yannick Bolasie permanently at the end of the season?

The 31-year-old joined Boro on loan until the end of the campaign but will see his Everton contract expire in the summer.

There are obviously a lot of factors which will determine Bolasie’s future, including the division Boro find themselves in, the player’s performances and interest from elsewhere.

Bolasie isn’t the only player who is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher, Marvin Johnson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in the same boat.

Boro are likely to assess the situation at the end of the season so Warnock will hope those who are nearing the end of their contracts get their heads down and give it their all for the final 18 games.

As for Bolasie, the early signs are promising and he’ll be happy to be playing competitive football again after he was frozen out at Everton.

Boro certainly seems like a good fit for the 31-year-old but a lot can change between now and the end of the campaign.

What is Boro’s strongest XI when everyone is fit?

This is an interesting talking point and Boro’s starting XI is likely to vary depending on the opposition, form and fitness between now and the end of the season.

Warnock has named a consistent back five when everyone is fit and available, with goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, Anfernee Dijksteel, Paddy McNair and Marc Bola regularly starting.

The arrival of Darnell Fisher has provided competition at right-back, while we know Boro can switch to a back three and wing-backs in specific games.

Ahead of them, Warnock has often deployed a midfield three of Sam Morsy, Jonny Howson and George Saville – which I think is a decent option when Boro are playing one of the top sides, like against Norwich last month.

I think there are also games when he could play with a No 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Neeskens Kebano, Marcus Tavernier or Duncan Watmore in a central role, while Bolasie, Johnson, Mendez-Laing and even Djed Spence can challenge for the wide positions.

Up front, I still think a fit and firing Britt Assombalonga is Boro’s best option at the moment, as Fletcher is still recovering from a lengthy injury setback.

The good thing is that most of Boro’s attacking players are versatile so Warnock certainly has options.

When will we see Mendez-Laing in action?

The former Cardiff winger is still getting up to speed after being released by the Bluebirds in September.

He appears to have kept himself in good shape but Warnock will want to hone the player’s ball work and in-game attributes before using him in a competitive match.

It sounds like Mendez-Laing has looked sharp in training and Warnock said the winger could feature off the bench at Derby this weekend.

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