Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate is reportedly on the lookout for a central-defender to improve his squad during this months transfer window. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Boro have seen their approach to bring back former defender Ben Gibson in from Burnley on loan rejected and have now turned their attentions to another Premier League defender.
Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson is said to be an alternative option and with all four of the club’s senior central-defenders currently nursing injuries you can understand why Woodgate is so desperate to address the problem as soon as possible.
Are you confident Boro will sign a central-defender before the window closes?
Yes
No
As per the report, Gibson remains the preferred choice but despite the two clubs holding a number of discussions, it seems a loan deal this month will not be possible.
Simpson has made six senior appearances for the Cherries this season and is an England Under-21 international. It’s thought that there are multiple Championship clubs exploring the possibility of taking the player on loan but with the Teesider’s in particular, given their current injury troubles, he’s likely to get his fair share of first-team football.
TIF Tactics – No danger of relegation just yet, but that could change very quickly
Middlesbrough are currently struggling down in 17th place in the division but given they are 11 points clear of Barnsley in 22nd, there are no immediate concerns regarding the possibility of relegation.
However, if Woodgate is unable to address his team’s defensive troubles this month, that could change very quickly – emphasising the importance of getting a central defender in as soon as possible.
With the prospect of a loan deal for Gibson seemingly dead, if Simpson is the man the club want, they’ll need to get things moving with just a matter of days remaining in which deals can be completed.