West Brom will not be looking to complete a deal to sign striker Duncan Watmore in January, a report from The Daily Mail has claimed.

Watmore joined Championship side Middlesbrough on short-term contract back in November, and has since gone on to score five goals in eight appearances for Neil Warnock's side.

The 'Boro boss has previously made it clear that he wants to extend Watmore's deal, although there has been plenty of interest from elsewhere, with West Brom, Stoke, Swansea, Watford and Burnley all linked with the striker.

However, it seems as though Middlesbrough will now have one less rival club to worry about in the battle for Watmore's signature.

According to this latest report, recently appointed West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has now decided against making a move to bring Watmore to The Hawthorns this month.

It is thought that Allardyce - who previously worked with Watmore at Sunderland - is instead looking to strengthen in others areas of his squad, meaning he will not be attempting to sign Watmore in the coming weeks.

The Verdict

This looks to be a big boost for Middlesbrough heading into the new year.

Watmore has made an impressive start to life at The Riverside Stadium, and you could certainly understand why they would want to keep him around for longer.

Given his past links with Allardyce, that interest from West Brom could have been a concern for 'Boro, so the fact that now looks as though it will not be happening will be a relief for Warnock and co.

However, given the interest there could still be from elsewhere, you feel those associated with 'Boro will not be relaxing about Watmore's situation, until his new contract is officially signed and announced.