Duncan Watmore prepared to wait for Middlesbrough contract offer with Neil Warnock keen to sign ex-Sunderland man

Watmore is a free agent after his contract at Sunderland expired in the summer and has been training with Boro for the last two weeks.

The 26-year-old has made a positive impression at Rockliffe, with Boro boss Neil Warnock keen to sign him on a short-term deal until January.

Warnock has admitted an agreement probably won’t be possible until after next week’s international break, yet there have been some reports that something could be completed this week.

The Echo understands Watmore was close to signing a contract with Indian Super League club East Bengal, managed by former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, but has enjoyed his two weeks at Boro.

Watmore is expected to continue training at Rockliffe this week as the Teessiders weigh up the situation.

Warnock is short of options up front after striker Ashley Fletcher was ruled out until next year with a hamstring injury, while Britt Assombalonga and Chuba Akpom are the club’s only recognised strikers.

When asked by the Mail on Monday if Watmore is the type of player Boro are looking for, Warnock replied: “He’s different and available, training hard.

“We would probably do it until January just in case. It’s hard for these lads to play up front on their own at times.”

Watmore can play out wide or through the middle and his versatility would give Boro more attacking options during a busy run of fixtures.

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