Transfer news: Why Middlesbrough have allowed Nathan Wood to join Crewe Alexandra on loan

The 18-year-old earned his first Championship start for the Teessiders in October and has made seven senior appearances this campaign.

Boro boss Neil Warnock rates Wood highly but feels the defender needs more regular game time to aid his development.

And with Grant Hall fit again following a thigh injury, Warnock feels he has enough cover at centre-back for first-choice duo Paddy McNair and Dael Fry.

Boro full-backs Marc Bola and Anfernee Dijksteel can also operate in the middle of defence if required, while new signing Darnell Fisher will provide cover at full-back.

Wood’s loan move to Crewe is his first in senior football and the teenager will link up with Boro team-mate Stephen Walker who has also joined the Alex on loan.

Boro have also allowed midfielder Lewis Wing to sign for Rotherham on loan until the end of the season.

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