Neil Warnock makes admission about Fulham and Everton loanees as Middlesbrough boss weighs up transfer options

Neil Warnock has admitted Middlesbrough are unlikely to re-sign Fulham loanee Neeskens Kebano, while Yannick Bolasie’s future remains unclear.
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Boro signed the pair on loan in January, yet they are nearing the end of those deals.

Kebano, 29, has a year left on his contract at Fulham, while Bolasie, 31, is set to become a free agent when his contract lapses at Everton this summer.

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When asked about the chances of Boro re-signing the duo, Warnock said: “Neeskens has got another year at Fulham, so I don’t think there’s much chance of anything happening there unless they want to loan him out again.

Neeskens Kebano playing for Middlesbrough.Neeskens Kebano playing for Middlesbrough.
Neeskens Kebano playing for Middlesbrough.

“I would imagine they’ll be looking at Neeskens and thinking, ‘Well, he’s got a year left, we might as well try and sell him if we’re not going to be using him rather than let his contract run out’.

“It’ll depend on what offers Yannick gets, I suppose. I’ve spoken to him about the situation. I don’t think he’ll get a Premier League club if I’m honest, so it’ll probably come down to whether he wants to play in the Championship or whether he’d rather go abroad because I think that’s where the money is.

“He’s got enough money anyway, hasn’t he? You just don’t know. A few weeks ago, I remember reading some of the forums and seeing people saying what a waste of money Neeskens and Yannick were. The other night, they were saying, ‘Can we sign these two on?’ That’s what football is all about!

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Boro faced a similar situation with forward Duncan Watmore, who could have earned more money elsewhere but decided to stay on Teesside.

“Duncan could have gone for the money. He could have signed where it would have been most lucrative for him, but to train like he did for three weeks without earning a penny, not many people would have done that.

“I’ve got nothing but praise for Duncan. He’ll do anything for me, he’ll play anywhere I ask him to. He’s an absolute gem of a player, and of a lad as well.

“Yannick’s not hard work. He can be a little bit moody at times, but that’s how a lot of players are. If he decides to stay in this country, you wouldn’t write off him staying at Middlesbrough.”

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