Middlesbrough have reportedly identified Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall as a potential replacement for Darragh Lenihan.

Boro boss Michael Carrick lost Lenihan after the defender had to undergo an ankle operation and faces a lengthy period out. According to The Sun, the club are seeking a centre-half in the January window – ideally on a loan deal.

Worrall, meanwhile, has been left out of Forest’s past four league games. The last time he was in the match day squad for Steve Cooper was against Liverpool back in October but did not feature.

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It is claimed that Forest could be open to letting him depart on loan as he looks for regular game time. Worrall is not the only player Boro have identified, however.

The Sun adds that Leeds’ Charlie Cresswell is also “in their sights”. However, Leeds may not be willing to let him join a promotion rival. Boro have had a difficult start to the season and currently sit 12th, though are only three points off sixth-placed Hull City.

Worrall has been in Forest’s books since 2011 after joining the club at the age of 14. He was named as the Reds’ captain last season.