Neil Warnock provides Duncan Watmore update with forward's Middlesbrough contract set to expire after Birmingham City clash

The 26-year-old signed a short-term deal at Boro in November, which is set to expire after the Teessiders’ Championship game against Birmingham on January 16.

It has been claimed that Premier League clubs West Brom and Burnley are interested in Watmore, while Championship teams Swansea, Stoke and Watford have also been credited with interest.

When asked about Watmore ahead of Boro’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers, Warnock said talks have taken place with the player’s representatives, and a contract offer has been made.

“They have been speaking behind the scenes and I’ve had a chat with a few people as well,” said Warnock. “I think both parties know where we are and it’s down to Duncan I think now.”

“He’s told me that he wants to stay. He’s loving it here, and that’s something that’s been brought up in the last few weeks.

Watmore has endured a difficult few seasons because of injury setbacks and left former club Sunderland in the summer after eight years at the club.

The forward has looked back to his best at Boro, though, scoring five goals in six starts for the Teessiders, including braces in wins over Swansea City and Millwall.

“I think in Duncan’s case I don’t think money is that important,” added Warnock. “I think the last couple of years that he’s had on the football ground he should be wanting to stay for the right reasons.

“He’s a sensible lad and I don’t think he’ll let people talking to him put him off all together.”

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