MIDDLESBROUGH have offered Neil Taylor an extension to his current short-term contract – and are hoping the full-back will commit himself to the Riverside until the end of the season.

Taylor joined Boro as a free agent in November, but his short-term deal is due to expire in the middle of this month.

The left-back has made two Championship appearances covering for the injured Marc Bola, starting last month’s victories over Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, with his performances alerting a number of Boro’s rivals to his potential availability.

West Brom, Coventry and Bristol City have been credited with an interest in the 32-year-old, and it is understood that at least one other club have held talks with Taylor’s representatives.

However, having given Taylor an opportunity to resurrect his career after his summer release from Aston Villa, Boro are hoping their faith will be rewarded by the defender agreeing an extension for the remainder of the season.

With Bola not expected to return to first-team action for another couple of months, Taylor should get plenty of first-team opportunities with the Teessiders in the second half of the campaign.

There was a departure from Boro yesterday with William Kokolo completing a permanent move to League One side Burton Albion.

Kokolo, who made his one and only senior start for Boro in last weekend's FA Cup win at Mansfield Town, heads to the Pirelli Stadium having signed a permanent deal with the Brewers.

The 21-year-old defender spent time in Sunderland's youth ranks before joining Boro, and was a regular in the Teessiders' Under-23 ranks.

Meanwhile, Boro’s trip to Sheffield United has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 8 (7.45pm).