MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder has made contact with defender Djed Spence over the possibility of recalling him from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

The wing-back signed a season long loan deal on transfer deadline day in the summer and has gone on to make 16 appearances scoring one goal. Forest have been impressed with the 21-year-old's performances and have a desire to keep him for the duration of his loan spell.

However, Boro have a recall clause in his contract with Forest which can be enacted in January.

“Yeah I’ve made contact with Djed" said Wilder.

“He’s a player that’s done very well at a rival, a strong and powerful club in the division.

“We’re talking and we are working a way so no real decision has been made on that just yet but as always, we’ve got to make sure that the football club is the main thing that we look after.

“Nobody does you any favours in this game, we all understand that but it’s quite a complex situation with Djed as well. It’s not a straight forward one.

“We have to make sure we make the right decision and we’re part of that decision making. Hopefully it’s the right decision, not only for the boy but for Middlesbrough Football Club. We’ll make that in our time.”

Isaiah Jones is currently being used out of position as a right-wing back under Wilder and has produced strong performances there. However, Wilder will be keen to boost his options and promised fans that he would assess all playing staff at the club, including players out on loan.

Boro have already moved to bring back one of their players out on loan. Defender Nathan Wood, 19, was recalled from Scottish side Hibernian after just one appearance this season.

Meanwhile, Boro have reaffirmed their stance on Paddy McNair and have slapped a not for sale sign on the Northern Irishman.

Reports suggest that Celtic and West Ham United could be interested in making a move for the versatile player next month.

McNair is contracted at Boro until the summer of 2024.

Wilder added: “I don’t have to fight hard to keep hold of (McNair) really” he said.

“He’s our player and he understands where we are trying to get to.

“Good players will always have interest in them, especially at this time in the season coming into January.

“A lot of speculation but until I get a phonecall, which I haven’t, everybody is here and fighting towards getting into the team and producing good performances and hopefully getting good results for the football club.”