What Middlesbrough fans can expect to happen on transfer deadline day amid Famara Diedhiou and Britt Assombalonga talk

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Middlesbrough made a much-needed breakthrough in the transfer market last week – yet manager Neil Warnock remains hopeful he can sign at least one more player before today’s 11pm deadline.

The arrivals of Yannick Bolasie from Everton and full-back Darnell Fisher from Preston certainly gave the side a lift ahead of the weekend’s goalless draw against Championship leaders Norwich.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fisher was awarded man of the match at Carrow Road and will provide cover for the injured Anfernee Dijksteel at right-back – though the latter is set to resume light training this week.

Bolasie, meanwhile, is a deal Boro were hoping to complete back in October, yet the paperwork wasn’t completed in time.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock.Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock.
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock.

Boro have been looking to bring in another attacking wide player ever since and, despite the signing of Duncan Watmore (the side’s joint top scorer this season) on a free agent, it’s the final third where the Teessiders still appear a little short.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warnock said at the weekend he was still keen to sign another attacking player for the second half of the campaign, and that there could be one or two outgoings.

One name which has been mentioned throughout the month is that of Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou, a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Boro enquired about the striker weeks ago, yet the Robins have been keen for the 28-year-old to stay at Ashton Gate after finishing as the club’s top scorer for the past two seasons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One option which has been mooted is a swap deal for Boro captain Britt Assombalonga, who will also see his current deal expire in the summer.

A direct trade involving Assombalonga and Diedhiou would be complicated, yet it’s possible both players could move opposite ways before the deadline. If that happens it will probably consist of two separate deals.

Boro, though, will only allow players to leave the Riverside if they feel they have cover or a suitable replacement lined up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as another striker, Warnock has repeatedly said he’s been looking at wide players this month.

Whether Boro are satisfied with Bolasie or feel they could attract another option remains to be seen. There will certainly be players looking for a move.

West Brom’s Kamil Grosicki is someone who has previously been linked with the Teessiders and looks like he may be allowed to leave the Hawthorns.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Polish international, 32, would appear to fit the criteria Warnock was looking for, in the fact he’s proven himself at Championship level and could immediately compete for a first-team place.

Boro also have plans to send some of their under-23 players out on loan, as they have done with striker Rumarn Burrell, who joined Bradford City, and winger Isaiah Jones, who signed for Queen of the South.

Sam Folarin, 20, and Hayden Hackney, 18, also fall into that category, yet defender Nathan Wood, 18, looks set to stay at Boro due to the club’s lack of centre-back options.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warnock may also feel he has enough cover to allow some of his other senior players to leave – though that remains to be seen.

The likes of Hayden Coulson, 22, and Lewis Wing, 25, are at an age where they’ll want to be playing regularly and may benefit from a move elsewhere.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice