Middlesbrough are set to complete the signing of Sol Bamba, according to reports from Football Insider.

The 36-year-old has been training with the Teessiders during pre-season as he looks to build up his fitness ahead of the upcoming Championship season.

Sources exclusively informed Football League World back in July that the central defender could be offered a contract with the club if he could prove himself to Neil Warnock and it seems that he's done exactly that.

So what impact would Bamba have if he was to complete a move? We look at two knock-on effects for Warnock to consider.

 

 

A change of position for Paddy McNair

The Northern Ireland international will surely be pleased with the addition of Sol Bamba.

McNair's best position is undoubtedly in central midfield due to his passing range and eye for goal, something that he hasn't really been able to utilise over the last 12 months after playing predominantly in central defence.

If Bamba does join then Neil Warnock will have four senior centre-halves to choose from in Bamba, Dael Fry, Grant Hall and even Lee Peltier which surely means that McNair can switch back to his preferred role.

A likely loan move for Nathan Wood

One player who could be impacted is Nathan Wood.

The 19-year-old had hopes of establishing himself with Middlesbrough this term but if Sol Bamba joins then it just means that he'll be pushed further down the pecking order.

Following a loan spell with Crewe Alexandra last term it now won't be a surprise to see the talented defender head out on loan in search of regular football.