PATRICK ROBERTS’ return to the Riverside should finally be confirmed in the next 48 hours, with Neil Warnock hoping to complete at least one more addition ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline despite accepting a need to keep his spending to a minimum this week.

Roberts, who spent the second half of last season on Teesside, has passed a medical ahead of a season-long loan switch from Manchester City. The forward should be fit after training with City, and is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game with Reading.

Warnock has promised Steve Gibson he will not be splashing the cash extravagantly in the final week of the EFL transfer window, but the Boro boss is keen to address issues at both ends of the field.

Ashley Fletcher’s injury problems have highlighted Boro’s lack of attacking depth, and Warnock would ideally like to recruit another forward to help support Britt Assombalonga and Chuba Akpom, who are currently the Teessiders’ only fit strikers.

At the other end of the field, Chelsea’s Baba Rahman is a left-back target who could also play as the left of three centre-halves if required.

Boro officials have discussed Rahman’s position with the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, and a decision over the Ghanaian’s future is expected within the next couple of days with Derby also interested.