Neil Warnock explains Patrick Roberts' situation after Celtic links as Middlesbrough boss is quizzed on Britt Assombalonga reports

The 23-year-old playmaker returned to Boro for a second loan spell in October but has made just three league starts for the Teessiders this campaign.

Warnock has previously admitted that talks will take place with Roberts about his future, while the player’s former club Celtic have been linked with a move.

When asked by the Mail about Roberts ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Birmingham, Warnock said: “I’ve had loads of talks with Patrick so we will have to see what develops.

“He’s our player until the end of the season, there’s no call back unless all parties agree to it so it’s one of those things. We’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”

Warnock still wants to sign another wide player during the transfer window but said Boro are struggling to make progress on the transfer front.

“The only movement this week was I spoke to a player but he’d already signed for a club ten minutes before I spoke to him,” revealed Warnock. “That’s the only bit of transfer news this week.

“I was disappointed to say the least but that’s how it’s done.”

There has also been speculation this week about Boro captain Britt Assombalonga who is out of contract at the end of the season, as are Boro team-mates Ashley Fletcher and Marvin Johnson.

Warnock has said the trio want to stay at the club but contract negotiations have been put on the backburner in recent weeks.

Reports this week have claimed Assombalonga is attracting interest from some of Boro’s Championship rivals and clubs abroad.

Yet Warnock didn’t give much away when asked about his skipper.

“His contract is up at the end of the season, the same as Ashley’s the same as Marvin’s,” replied Warnock when quizzed on Assombalonga. “No news on it at all.

“You are going to be reading speculation right up until the deadline now, most of it will be coming from their agents.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor