MIDDLESBROUGH have drawn a line under their pursuit of a free-agent signing, with Neil Warnock admitting the club failed to sign Robbie Brady during the international break because they were unable to match the terms offered by Bournemouth.

Brady travelled to Rockliffe Park and held talks with Warnock and other Middlesbrough officials, but with Bournemouth offering more lucrative terms, the 29-year-old joined the Cherries on a deal until the end of the season earlier this week.

With Warnock short of options on the left-hand side, the Teessiders have also been linked with a move for Wales international Neil Taylor, who is a free agent following his release from Aston Villa in the summer.

However, Warnock will not be pursuing the 32-year-old, with his search for a free agent having come to an end ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Barnsley.

“It’s shelved at the minute,” said the Boro boss. “I would have liked to have brought Robbie Brady in, if I’m honest. I think everybody knows that.

“We did speak to him, he came up here and what have you, but unfortunately we couldn’t get it over the line. I see that he’s signed for Bournemouth now. He’s a lovely lad, and a good player as well, so good luck to him.

“Bournemouth have the wage bill. I talked to Robbie, but I couldn’t get near what he got at Bournemouth."

When asked directly whether a move for Taylor could now also be ruled out, Warnock added: "Yeah, that's right."