ROSS McCORMACK faces an uncertain week as Middlesbrough prepare to test Fulham’s resolve by making a further approach for the £10m-rated Scotland international.

Boro have a number of alternative options to pursue before next Monday’s transfer deadline having been made aware of the Cottagers’ hopes of keeping the striker until the end of the season at least.

But Aitor Karanka, whose desire for new additions in a number of areas was strengthened by Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, would prefer McCormack to be his main attacking recruit.

Southampton’s Gaston Ramirez is also on the radar, while last week it was reported that they had shown an interest in Queens Park Rangers’ Matt Phillips. Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes and Chelsea’s Patrick Bamford have also remained on the shortlist.

For now Boro hope for favourable news from Fulham, where it has been claimed over the weekend that McCormack has started to make noises that he would like to move on.

Slavisa Jokanovic, the manager at Craven Cottage, hinted as much after his side’s defeat to Hull City, a game which McCormack missed through ‘illness’.

Jokanovic, who would not be allowed to spend even if he agreed to the £8/9m Boro are prepared to pay because Fulham are under a transfer embargo, said: “Ross is a professional football player, he has family, and he is thinking what is the best solution? And what steps he needs to make?

“I understand perfectly Ross, I understand another club, and it is important for people to understand Fulham too, why we don’t want to make these steps.

“I try and explain he has only made one training session and physically I did not believe he was ready for the game.

“Psychologically I understand many rumours and speculation, I understand McCormack too. I understand the club have interests in thinking about him because he is one of the best Championship players, he’s our best player too, so the people need to understand Fulham too.”

Jokanovic's stance is complicating Boro's pursuit, although Karanka is now looking forward to having a clear week to focus on what needs to be done on the transfer front.

Championship opponents MK Dons now meet Chelsea in the FA Cup instead of Boro and the head coach, whose decision to leave out Diego Fabbrini has fuelled talk of a move to Birmingham, said: "I don't want to speak about specific players and rumours. We have another week to bring someone in. We don't have a game this Saturday so I can train on the pitch and work on transfers.

"It's good to have a fortnight break now, we'll have time to work on the training pitch to recover our style and I can work in the office because I don't have to prepare for a game at the weekend.”

Karanka is looking to sign midfielder Victor Lindelof from Benfica in the next few days, while he also expects to have long-term absentees Damia Abella and Alex Baptiste back soon.

He is desperate for a lift before the visit of Blackburn on February 6 after suffering back-to-back defeats for only the second time under his management.

Defeats to Bristol City and now Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Jamie Ward’s winner 20 minutes from time, has seen Hull reclaim top spot.

The afternoon was one of frustration for Karanka and his players, none more so than Stewart Downing when he was replaced at half-time in the No 10 role where McCormack would likely play.

Downing could have been switched to the left flank, but Karanka took him off and the player did not emerge to sit on the bench for the second half.

Karanka explained: "When I think a player's not performing well I have to substitute him. On Saturday it was Stewart. I have to try to do the best. Sometimes I'm right and sometimes I'm wrong.

"We needed more intensity and tempo on the pitch. Adam Forshaw is the type of player you can trust 100 per cent but it didn't work. We've lost two games but we're still in the top two.”

Boro also have a concern surrounding the fitness of George Friend. The dependable left-back was missed down the left side when he was forced off before the break with a shoulder problem. He left the Riverside with his arm in a sling.

Karanka said: “Hopefully we'll get him back as soon as possible. I don't think it's a serious injury, we'll have it scanned. I hope it's nothing serious. We have a lot of injured players to come back to fill the squad. I hope Ben Gibson will be back for the next game.”