Neil Warnock set to swoop for Wales star Chris Gunter after landing Middlesbrough hot seat – reports

Newly-appointed Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock is set to hold talks with Reading defender Chris Gunter, according to reports. 

Warnock, who was today confirmed as the man who will replace Jonathan Woodgate in the Boro hot seat, is reportedly lining up a move for the defender.

The Wales international has agreed a short-term extension at Reading until the end of the Championship season, but is set to bring an end to his eight-year stay at the Madejski Stadium this summer.

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And The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell claims claims Warnock is one of a number of Championship managers who are interested in landing Gunter, with the Yorkshireman already looking towards next season’s campaign.

Birmingham City are the other Championship club who are also reportedly interested in signing the defender.

Whitwell also added that the 30-year-old was one of Warnock’s targets during his three-year spell at Cardiff City, where Gunter started out his career and made his first senior appearance before departing in 2008.

He would no doubt have been welcomed back to south Wales with open arms by some of the Bluebirds faithful, who have bemoaned the lack of Welsh representation among the club’s first-team ranks in recent years.

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The 96-capped international, one of Wales’ Euro 2016 heroes, has a wealth of Championship experience having made more than 400 appearances in the second tier.

And despite falling down the pecking order under former Reading boss Jose Gomes this season, Gunter – who joined the Royals from Nottingham Forest in 2012 – has become a fans’ favourite during his time at the Madejski Stadium.

He returned to the starting XI under former Wales international Mark Bowen, who succeeded Gomes as manager in October, and has made 14 appearances in the Championship this term.

[Featured image: Lewis Mitchell]