Middlesbrough transfer rumours: Latest on Liverpool defender, winger linked plus Blackburn looking at loans

The Teessiders and their Championship rivals have until 11pm on Monday, October 5 to sign players from abroad, while the domestic window will run until 5pm on Friday, October 16.

Here are some of the latest transfer rumours concerning the Teessiders ahead of next month's deadlines.

Defender suffers injury blow

Earlier this month a clutch of Championship clubs were linked with a loan move for Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips.

Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Stoke, Millwall and Boro were all credited with interest in the 23-year-old, yet an injury could scupper a potential switch.

According to Goal.com, Phillips could be sidelined until after Christmas, meaning suitors will be forced to look elsewhere.

Boro do appear short of centre-backs after Grant Hall suffered a calf injury against QPR on Saturday.

Winger looks set for move

Another name which is being talked about on social media is that of Exeter City winger Randell Williams.

The 23-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season, while Grecians boss Matt Taylor has said there have been ‘several offers’ for the player.

A report from Devon Live on September 10 claimed ‘Championship sides Hull City and Middlesbrough have both been linked with Williams, while League One big spenders Peterborough United are also known admirers.’

“We have had formal approaches and the process is ongoing as we speak,” said Taylor a couple of weeks ago.

“Nothing has been finalised and nothing is completed and we will know more in the coming days, but all I can say is we have had a formal approach – and more than one as well.”

Blackburn looking at loans

Finally, Blackburn’s interest in Boro keeper Aynsley Pears appears to have faded.

Earlier in the window it was claimed Rovers had bid £200k for Pears, who has fallen down the pecking order at Boro.

When asked about transfers at the weekend, Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray said: “We're trying really, really hard, we haven't got millions of pounds to spend.

“We've got a little bit of money for the right player, probably loans now I would suggest. We don't have enough for a transfer fee and a salary.”

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