Neil Warnock reacts to Duncan Watmore reports after West Brom, Burnley and Stoke City are linked with Middlesbrough forward

The 26-year-old forward signed a short-term deal at Boro until the middle of January back in November and has made a big impact in the Championship since his arrival.

Despite the Teessiders’ 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, Watmore scored his fifth goal in just his sixth start since signing for Warnock’s side.

According to Sky Sports, the forward is attracting interest from top-flight sides ahead of the January transfer window, with Burnley and West Brom – who are managed by Watmore’s ex-Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce – reportedly interested.

Championship trio Swansea, Stoke City and Watford are also said to be keen, yet it’s believed Watmore’s preference is to stay at Boro.

Warnock said earlier this month that Watmore will be offered a new contract at the Riverside after impressing Boro’s coaching staff.

When asked about the forward after his side’s defeat at Hillsborough, Warnock said: “He’s enjoying it. I hope he stays, obviously we are talking to him all the time.

"I think he’s enjoying it and you can see that. He didn’t want to come off today so I left him on.

When asked if it’s a concern that negotiations appear to be dragging on, the Boro boss added: “Of course you do but life is too short.

“All you can do is try and do what you want to do and if it doesn’t come off you have to go elsewhere.”

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