Neil Warnock says Middlesbrough are working on other striker targets after Watford defeat as Yaya Sanogo deal falls through

Warnock said last week he wants to sign two more forwards before the end of the transfer window to compete with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher.

The Teessiders were visibly short of attacking options on the bench during Friday’s 1-0 defeat by Waford at Vicarage Road

“We’ve been close a few times, it would have been nice to change it with 20,25 minutes to go,” admitted Warnock when asked about his lack of options.

“But we’re working hard. I can’t fault that, I’m sure something will drop in the next few weeks.”

When quizzed on the Sanogo deal which didn’t materialise, the Boro boss added: “It’s one of those things, it’s not going to be and we’ll move on.

“We still have other targets and I’m hoping Neil (Bausor) can get one or two over the line in the next few weeks, the sooner the better.

One player who Boro have managed to bring in is midfielder Sam Morsy, who joined the club for an undisclosed fee from Wigan on Friday.

"We are trying hard to get some in, it was nice to get Sam in he’s a good lad,” said Warnock.

“We are short of options, if you look at the average age tonight we are a very young side, I think it’s a good experience tonight against a good Watford side.

“You can’t recognise some of these lads from eight weeks ago, they are full of confidence, they are enjoying it

“We can’t enjoy the result but they are enjoying training, enjoying the games and I thought you could see that.”

Despite the result, Warnock was keen to focus on the positives following the match at Vicarage Road.

“I thought we did really well. We looked a good side,” said Warnock.

“They’ve taken it on board, I thought Watford were fortunate to come away with a win.

“I don’t understand how a Watford player has been selected as man of the match, two or three of our players were outstanding.”

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