Who is Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, why did he leave Cardiff City and what are the chances of him joining Middlesbrough or Derby County on transfer deadline day?

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his contract at Cardiff City was surprisingly terminated last year, with the reason behind it still unclear.

Mendez-Laing helped the Bluebirds win promotion from the Championship under Boro boss Neil Warnock in 2018 and is said to be keen to link up with his former manager.

We take a closer look at the situation:

Why did Mendez-Laing leave Cardiff City?

When the player’s contract was terminated in September, a Cardiff statement read: "Cardiff City Football Club has, with immediate effect, terminated the contract of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

"The club will not be making any further comment on the matter.”

Then Cardiff manager, Neil Harris, said there had been a "serious breach of contract" but that he was bound by “legal protocol”.

Mendez-Laing has been without a club since leaving the Cardiff City Stadium but appears ready to return to the game.

The winger has been working with highly-rated personal trainer Nic St-Maurice, who has also worked with the likes of Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy, over the last few months.

What type of player is he?

Mendez-Laing is an out and out winger who can play on either flank but has predominantly operated on the right.

The 28-year-old is a player who likes to run at defenders, is physically strong and can contribute with goals and assists.

In the season Cardiff won promotion under Warnock, Mendez-Laing scored six times and chipped in with six assists from the flank.

He was also trusted by Warnock to track back and see out his defensive duties when operating in a 4-3-3 formation, as shown by his 38 Championship appearances during the promotion campaign.

Last season Mendez-Laing contributed with three goals and four assists but still helped Cardiff reach the Championship play-offs, before they were beaten by Fulham in the semi-finals.

What are the chances of Boro signing him?

It’s been claimed that Derby County have been in contact with Mendez-Laing regarding a potential deal, yet it’s said the player would prefer to link up with Warnock.

Boro have been looking at attacking wide players during the transfer window and managed to sign Everton winger Yannick Bolasie on loan last week.

West Brom playmaker Kamil Grosicki has also been linked with a move to Teesside, yet Mendez-Laing is a player who has performed for Warnock in the past.

If the Boro boss feels the winger will be a good fit for the dressing room and can get up to speed quickly, Mendez-Laing could be a valuable addition on a short-term deal.

Despite the arrival of Bolasie, Boro have seen Marcus Browne ruled out for the season and are set to be without Marcus Tavernier for another few weeks due to injury.

Mendez-Laing has proven himself at Championship level in the past and would be challenging for a regular starting spot if he can rediscover his past form.

As Mendez-Laing is a free agent a deal could be completed after Monday’s 11pm deadline.

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