Neil Warnock quizzed on Aynsley Pears to Blackburn reports with outgoings expected at Middlesbrough

Boro goalkeeper Aynsley Pears has been strongly linked with a move away from the Riverside, with Blackburn interested in signing the 22-year-old.

It’s been claimed Rovers are lining up a permanent offer for Pears, who has fallen down the pecking order at Boro and appears to be third choice between the sticks.

Warnock spoke to the press on Friday morning and admitted Boro can’t allow many players to leave due to a lack of numbers in the squad.

He did, though, admit one or two players could leave the club, while the Teessiders are hopeful they can sign another striker before the deadline.

“We don't want anyone to depart with the exception of one or two because we just haven't got the numbers and we're going to have to hope we get some luck with injuries between now and January," said Warnock.

"I'm hoping we might get one in today, but that will probably be it for us."

Warnock wouldn’t go into detail about who might leave the club but was asked if they would be loan or permanent deals. “A bit of both,” he replied.

Boro did have plans to send some of their younger players out on loan to gain more first-team experience, yet that may depend on who comes in.

Marcus Browne was also linked with a loan move away from Boro but is set to stay at the Riverside.

As Deadline Day approaches, we've got a special offer for our loyal readers.

You can now purchase a Hartlepool Mail sport-only subscription with 15% off!

By signing-up, you'll be supporting local journalism while also being able to read every element of our Boro coverage - all for one low, annual cost of £30.56 using the discount code DEADLINE15.

You'll find all the details at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/subscriptions/sports

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor