This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Middlesbrough made it a fourth draw in five at the weekend when they drew 2-2 with Hull City, a result that left Jonathan Woodgate's side just outside the relegation zone in 21st place on goal difference.

After an underwhelming start to the season, it appears Woodgate is trying to add to his squad and is considering a January loan move for out of favour Sheffield United defender Kieron Freeman, according to TEAMtalk, who has struggled for game-time at Bramall Lane since their promotion to the Premier League.

So would Freeman be a good signing at the Riverside?

We discuss.........

Josh Cole

“If Boro can pull off a deal for Kieron Freeman in January, it could turn out to be an inspired move by the club who have struggled in the Championship this season under Jonathan Woodgate.

“Currently 21st in the second-tier standings, the Smoggies need to bolster their defensive options in the January transfer window as a failure to do so could potentially lead to them being dragged into a relegation battle.

“Having featured at Championship level on 55 occasions during his career, Freeman knows what it takes to succeed in this particular division.

“Providing that the defender can hit the ground running at the Riverside Stadium, he could end up playing a key role in helping Boro preserve their second-tier status for another year.”

Toby Wilding

"I could see this being a good signing.

"Things have simply not been going as 'Boro will have wanted them to this season, and it feels as though a lack of options isn't exactly helping them, meaning they will surely want to get bodies through the door in January.

"Defence in particular is an area where they have been caught out recently, so bringing in someone such as Freeman, who had a part to play as Sheffield United won promotion from this level last season, would likely strengthen them in that area.

"Having struggled for game time at Brammall Lane since the Blades' promotion to the top-flight, Freeman may well be open to a loan move such as this in order to kick start his season again, perhaps making this a move that could be feasible for 'Boro to pull off."

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George Brooks

"I think this could be a good signing for Middlesbrough.

"Freeman is a good player, but he hasn't had too many opportunities for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season, so there's every chance that he could be tempted by the chance to go out on loan.

"He's a good defender, he's decent going forward too and he's got plenty of experience in the Championship, so he'd be able to make an impact straight away for Boro, which is what they need.

"Other Championship clubs are thought to be interested in him though, so it seems as though Boro may struggle to persuade him to come to the Riverside."