Neil Warnock reacts to Famara Diedhiou and Britt Assombalonga reports as Middlesbrough boss opens up on transfer deadline day business

The Teessiders were linked with a move for Bristol City frontman Famara Diedhiou, while the Robins were credited with interest in Boro captain Britt Assombalonga.

Boro were able to make two new signings on the final day of the window, bringinging in former Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Neeskens Kebano from Fulham.

When asked if the club were ever close to signing another striker, Warnock told BBC Tees: “I never expected to get another striker if I’m honest, I couldn’t see another striker who was available who was better than what we had.

“I never expected it, there were one or two rumours as there always is, he’s coming there and they’re coming here, we are swapping him, but it never materialised for me.

“I always thought we are going to have three strikers to choose from for the run in.”

Warnock also admitted there were a couple of clubs who were interested in Mendez-Laing, who was a free agent after his contract at Cardiff was terminated in September.

The reason for his Bluebirds departure remains unclear after then Cardiff boss Neil Harris said there was a "serious breach of contract" but that he was bound by “legal protocol”.

Warnock knows the player well after their time together at Cardiff and says he doesn’t have any concerns about signing Mendez-Laing on a short-term deal.

"I think we all make mistakes,” said Warnock. “I brought him in from Rochdale and spent all my time with him.

"There were one or two other clubs after him but I just thought and said to him I think he’s better off coming with me in his circumstances because he hasn’t played for a while so he’s not match fit.”

Boro were also boosted by the late arrival of Kebano on a loan deal from Fulham on deadline day, a signing Warnock didn’t expect to get over the line.

"I was told that deal had been put to bed by Fulham,” said Warnock when asked about Kebano.

"That was only at 9:30 on Monday night when I spoke to Alastair down at Fulham (director Alastair Mackintosh) and Tony Khan in America.”

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