Middlesbrough running the rule over ex-Sunderland star Duncan
M i d d l e sb roug h b o s s Ne i l Warnock says he would like to sign former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore but is waiting to see if a deal is viable.
The 26-year-old has been training with Boro for the last two weeks after he was released by the Black Cats in the summer.
Warnock wanted to sign another forward during the transfer window, following Ashley Fletcher’s hamstring injury, but wasn’t able to complete a deal.
Boro have been assessing the free agent market in recent weeks, with Watmore catching the eye.
“He's done ever so well, I'm pleased for him,” said Warnock, when asked about the forward.
“I’m not sure what we can do regarding signings but he wanted to get fit and it's been a good opportunity for him.
“He's done really well and it's still ongoing. I don't know whether we can make a signing.”
When asked if he would like to sign Watmore, Warnock replied: “I would like him.”
Warnock, meanwhile, has commented on Chuba Akpom’s coronavirus test coming back negative.
Boro are short of options up front after Fletcher was ruled out until January.
Akpom dropped out of the side due to illness against Coventry City last Tuesday but replaced Britt Assombalon
ga for the last 20 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.
“It came back negative,” said Warnock, when asked about Akpom’s coronavirus test.
“We were all relieved to find that out, I just thought the way things were going it would be positive, so it was really good news.
“It was just a heavy cold so we didn’t want him to get too close to the lads.”
Warnock also said Grant Hall is making progress after suffering a calf injury but probably won’t be available until after the international break.
Boro’s squad remains low on numbers after missing out on several transfer targets last month.
Clubs are still able to sign players who are free agents, an option Warnock is considering.
The Boro boss had identified a couple of striker targets before inviting Watmore to train with his squad, and he will continue to assess the former Sunderland star.