Surprising Manchester United transfer rumour, Newcastle linked with Middlesbrough man plus Nottingham Forest verdict

Here are some of the latest Boro-related stories circling the web.

Transfer talk

The transfer window may have ended but speculation has continued over the last few weeks.

One improbable rumour which emerged over the weekend was that Boro and Derby could make a move for Manchester United outcast Phil Jones, according to the Daily Star.

It’s been claimed Jones’ potential move to Burnley in January is under threat amid a planned takeover at Turf Moor.

The 28-year-old is said to be earning around £100,000 a week at Old Trafford but hasn’t played for the club since January.

Another rumour which surfaced on Sunday concerned Boro full-back Djed Spence.

According to TeamTalk, the Teessiders face a battle to keep hold of the 20-year-old, with Everton, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United among the clubs interested.

Tottenham were also credited with interest in Spence earlier this year.

Pundit delivers verdict on Forest win

Boro have now kept four clean sheets in five games and gone eight matches unbeaten in the Championship.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, many won’t have anticipated the Teessiders’ promising start to the season, yet former England striker Darren Bent isn’t surprised.

“I wasn’t surprised, especially at the start of the season with Warnock being in charge,” said Bent when appearing as pundit on the EFL’s highlights show on Quest.

“We know what he’s going to do, hard to play against, defensively solid, well organised, and that’s what we’re seeing from this Middlesbrough team”

Boro youngsters go top

Finally, Boro’s under-23 side moved to the top of Premier League 2, Division 2, after a 3-1 win over Norwich on Friday afternoon.

Graeme Lee’s team fell 1-0 behind four minutes before half-time but completed a second-half comeback at Colney Training Centre.

Two Hayden Hackney penalties and a goal from Rumarn Burrell saw the Teessiders record their third consecutive victory after wins over Sunderland and Burnley.

Boro will now face West Brom at Heritage Park on Sunday, November 8.

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