Middlesborough boss Neil Warnock says he remains hopeful of tying Duncan Watmore down to a long-term deal at the club, amid reported interest from Swansea City.
The former Sunderland star is coming to the end of a short-term contract at the Riverside Stadium, and has made a big impact since arriving last month.
Watmore netted his fifth goal in six starts for Boro at the weekend, and his red-hot form has reportedly attracted a number of admirers.
According to Sky Sports, the Swans are just one of several clubs interested in the forward, with boss Steve Cooper eager to strengthen his options in the final third as he bids to bolster their charge for promotion.
Premier League duo West Bromwich Albion and Burnley have also been mentioned as possible suitors, along with Stoke City and Watford.
However, the former Cardiff City boss is hoping he can convince the former Manchester United academy star to stay in the north east, and potentially throw a spanner in the works of his old South Wales rivals.
Speaking after watching Watmore find the net in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, Warnock said: "I hope he stays, obviously we are talking to him all the time.
"I think he’s enjoying it and you can see that. He didn’t want to come off today so I left him on."
When asked if he was worried about the possibility of losing the forward, he added: “Of course you do but life is too short.
“All you can do is try and do what you want to do and if it doesn’t come off you have to go elsewhere.”
