Transfer news: Middlesbrough tracking Premier League full-backs as they close in on Everton's Yannick Bolasie

Boro are hopeful they can sign Everton winger Yannick Bolasie before Saturday’s trip to league leaders Norwich, while the Teessiders are also assessing other attacking options.

Yet injuries to Anfernee Dijksteel and Dael Fry have left Boro low on numbers at the back, which was highlighted during their 3-0 defeat by Rotherham at the Riverside.

Boro were at least able to name centre-back Grant Hall on the bench against the Millers after several months out with a thigh injury.

When asked about the possibility of signing another centre-back before the end of the window, Warnock replied: "I’m not really looking at another centre-back because I don’t think Dijksteel will be long and (Marc) Bola has shown he can play there as well at times on the left side.

"I would like another defender if I’m honest, someone who can fill in for Dijksteel, an out-and-out full-back.

"We’re just looking at three or four players really as things have changed really.”

Boro were confident they had agreed a deal with a Premier League club to sign a winger on loan, and were also interested in a top-flight striker who they felt was available.

Yet both players now look likely to stay at their current clubs, which is why Boro have moved quickly to sign Bolasie, who had looked set for a move abroad this week.

“I was gutted with the two lads we missed out on, I’ve done a lot of work on them two,” added Warnock

“Then they keep coming back and saying they might be able to come after Saturday’s game but I thought if I don’t sign Bolasie now I won’t so then I’ll regret that and end up with nothing.

“I thought let’s at least get one over the line and give the lads a lift.”

On the players Boro missed out on this week, Warnock added: “They were on the bench tonight both of them so I think they are going to be kept with the clubs.”

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