'We won’t be paying contracts like that': Neil Warnock discusses Middlesbrough transfer targets after signing new deal

Warnock has agreed a deal to stay at the Riverside for the 2021/22 campaign and is already looking at potential transfer targets.

Boro signed attacking trio Nathanial Mendez-Laing, Yannick Bolasie and Neeskens Kebano, who is on loan from Fulham, on short-term deals earlier this year and all three have made a positive impression at Rockliffe.

When asked about potentially signing the aforementioned players for next season, Warnock replied: “I think you’ve got to think about everybody. I knew Yannick and Mendez, and I asked them to come and have a look and help me out.

“I’ve been very impressed with Kebano as a person in the dressing room and on the pitch – I think he’s got something as well. But I honestly don’t know the situation with that.

“These lads have been on major money, very good contracts, so I think a lot will depend on what way they want to go. We won’t be paying any sort of contracts like that. It will all depend on the finances, and we’ll have to look at different options.

“The players like that are the players I think we need. You need a bit of pace and a little bit of creativity in that final third.

“I’ve been pleased with the subs in the last few games, making a difference.”

Warnock has openly admitted he wants to sign at least one more striker for next season, especially as Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher are set to see their contracts expire.

Fletcher has been offered a new deal but is likely to wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

When asked if signing another striker will be the priority this summer, Warnock said: “I think with Britt and Ashley out of contract it’s natural.

“We might need two, maybe even three strikers if they do leave and it’s getting the right ones.

“It would be nice to get someone who has seen and done it all at Championship level.”

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