Middlesbrough step up striker hunt as former Sheffield United man questions forward link: News and transfer rumours

Boro boss Neil Warnock is also looking to sign ‘eight or nine’ new players this summer as they try and push for promotion next campaign.

Here are some of the latest Boro-related news and transfer rumours circling the web.

Boro step up striker search

Warnock has said he wants to sign three new strikers this summer.

Bristol City’s Famara Diedhiou and Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke have been strongly linked with moves to the Riverside as the Boro boss looks to sign a natural centre forward.

According to the Northern Echo, the Teessiders have added Rotherham frontman Michael Smith to their list of summer striker targets.

Smith has scored 36 goals in 132 starts for Rotherham and has just over a year left on his contract.

Former midfielder questions Sheffield United link

One player who will be moving on this summer is striker Ashley Fletcher.

The 25-year-old is under contract at Boro until the end of June but stopped training with the club at the end of the campaign.

Fletcher has been linked with Sheffield United, who are preparing to return to the Championship next season.

Former Blades midfielder Keith Gillespie has questioned the move, though.

Gillespie told This Is Football: “I know he’s been at Middlesbrough and hasn’t played too many minutes. Do Sheffield United as it stands need a striker in the Championship?

“They’ve got Brewster, McGoldrick, McBurnie, Billy Sharp is there still, Burke – it’s not really a position they need to be filling.

“But then again, it depends on how many strikers are going to stay at Sheffield United, if two of three were to move on then Fletcher would be an option.”

Youngster joins academy

Finally, teenage defender Josh Wells has joined Boro's academy on a professional contract.

The 18-year-old centre-back has played senior football for non-league sides Lowestoft Town and Thetford Town and has impressed on trial at Rockliffe.

Wells scored a last-minute winner for Boro’s under-18s side against Wolves in April.

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