REPORT: Middlesbrough Boss Neil Warnock Eyes Reading Defender Chris Gunter

Building For Next Season

Warnock has been tasked with keeping Middlesbrough in the Championship. The club sit just one place above the drop but are only clear on goal difference.

The former Cardiff City manager has just eight games to keep Boro in the division, starting with a trip to fellow strugglers Stoke City this weekend.

But before his side have even kicked a ball under his leadership, the 71-year-old is preparing his squad for next season. Gunter, a 30-year-old Reading full-back, is out of contract in the summer but is one of a number of Royals to pen new deals for the remainder of the season.

Despite that, Warnock is keen to add the Wales international to the squad on Teesside next season.

Warnock in for Gunter Before

The Reading full-back, who has spent eight years at the club, has been a transfer target for Warnock previously, according to The Athletic.

Reports suggest that while the 71-year-old was in charge at Cardiff City, he saw the Welsh international as perfect fit for the club. Capped 96-times by Wales, Gunter would be a welcome addition at the Riverside Stadium.

Gunter This Season

It has been a difficult season for Gunter. The 30-year-old has made just 14 Championship appearances this campaign.

The former Nottingham Forest man has spent much of the season turning out for the under-23s. He has, however, enjoyed more game time since Mark Bowen took over, but that is too little, to late to keep him at Reading.

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