Middlesbrough have cooled their interest in Reece Oxford, according to reports.

The Teessiders are said to been on signing a defender before the end of the January transfer window as they look to boost their options at the back, with the 21-year-old being tipped as an option.

However the Northern Echo have reported that this is no longer the case.

Oxford has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular with the Bundesliga side after completing a permanent move from West Ham last summer.

It had been suggested that a loan move could be on the cards, and while that may be the case for Oxford, it seems that Middlesbrough will no longer be part of any discussions.

The report said: "Boro have considered a move for Oxford, and senior officials are understood to have discussed the 21-year-old’s position with his current employers at German side, Augsburg.

"Oxford has struggled to establish himself in the Bundesliga this season and is expected to return to England for the final four months of the campaign.

"Luton Town have also discussed a season-long loan deal, and at this stage, Boro are not expected to follow up their initial interest in the former West Ham defender."

Can you remember these former Middlesbrough strikers? Let's find out!

The verdict

Three signings is good going from Middlesbrough, but they aren't done yet.

Jonathan Woodgate has made it clear that he'd like to being in a defensive signing due to the lack of natural options in his back line.

While Reece Oxford has been one of the players mentioned, the decision not to pursue the deal perhaps makes sense.

Whether the imminent return of Ryan Shotton and George Friend is the reason for the dropped interest, we don't know, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on over the coming days.