Middlesbrough could hold an advantage in the race to secure Rotherham United forward Michael Smith this summer due to Neil Warnock’s relationship with Paul Warne, according to Teesside Live.

Boro have already been heavily linked with a move for Smith this summer as they aim to bolster their strike force ahead of next season.

It is believed that Warnock was impressed with the performance the forward produced during the Millers’ 3-0 win at the Riverside back in January and that he is keen to add him to his squad.

However, Middlesbrough are facing rivals in the pursuit of the forward with reports from Bristol Live indicating that Bristol City are also interested in making a move for Smith this summer. That comes with the 29-year-old having scored ten goals in 44 appearances for Rotherham last term.

It has previously been reported that Middlesbrough might face a stumbling block over their chances of signing Smith this summer. That comes with the potential for Rotherham’s price tag to be too much for them to go to with the Millers determined to recoup a fee for him as he heads into the final 12 months of his deal.

The latest report from Teesside Live has now revealed that Warnock is confident that his relationship with Warne will mean that he is kept in the loop about any developments that occur with Smith’s situation. That means Boro should know exactly what they need to do to sign the 29-year-old.

The Verdict

This is a very encouraging update for Middlesbrough here and it suggests that Warnock’s side could be in pole position to secure the signing of smith this summer. Warnock lent Lewis Wing to Rotherham last term and he has a strong relationship with Warne and that should mean that the Millers are prepared to negotiate with Boro over the forward.

Smith is exactly the right profile of player for a Warnock side and he showed with the Millers that he can both score goals and create chances for his teammates in the Championship. His mobility and willingness to run the channels and hold the ball up would be qualities that would certainly enhance the way that Boro like to play and get at opponents.

It does seem that Warnock will be able to kept up to date with what is happening with regards to the forward’s situation throughout the summer. That means that if Rotherham agree a deal with another side then Boro could get the chance to match that offer and see if they can convince the 29-year-old to move to them.