MIDDLESBROUGH winger Toyosi Olusanya has suffered an injury that will keep him out until February or March effectively ruling him out for a loan move while Hartlepool United have distanced themselves from a deal. 

Chris Wilder confirmed the news of Olusanya’s injury on New Year's Eve having not featured since September.

Olusanya has been short of game time since signing for the club from National League South side Billeracy Town. The AFC Wimbledon product has featured just three times as a substitute in the Championship.

Hartlepool United have enquired about the possibility of signing a number of Boro’s players over the January transfer window but it’s understood that Olusanya won’t be one of them making the move to the Suit Direct Stadium following an injury setback.

Given that Boro are suffering from a recent Covid outbreak along with other clubs up and down the country, Pools manager Graeme Lee knows that may have to be patient in getting signings over the line.

He said: “I speak to Middlesbrough and members of staff at the club and just make sure I’m up to date with what’s going on.

“They have their plans for the players which I already know because I was there so they’ll have certain plans for certain players to go out and have certain plans for players to stay in.

“We’ve made enquiries. Every club is difficult at the moment with Covid outbreaks. Clubs are a little bit more reluctant to give certain players who could actually be a fringe player or could impact their first-team.

“We’re speaking all the time but not just to Middlesbrough. We’ve got targets all around the country. We’re speaking to other clubs.

“We want to be in a rush but we have to be patient as well.”