Middlesbrough look set to miss out on the signing of Marko Grujic from Liverpool as the London Evening Standard report that the midfielder has rejected a loan move.

What's the word?

Tony Pulis has just over two weeks to bring in any loan signings before the window slams shut.

Boro lost key players in Patrick Bamford, Ben Gibson and Adam Traore, and in response have recruited Jordan Hugill, Aden Flint and Paddy McNair.

Midfield is an area that Pulis is keen to strengthen, but according to the London Evening Standard, his top target Grujic has opted against moving to the Riverside Stadium on loan.

The Serbian international, who has struggled for game time at Anfield, is also believed to have turned down Cardiff City.

How badly will this affect Boro?

In terms of results, the North Yorkshire club are doing well as they have taken seven points from a possible nine.

Boro currently sit at the top of the Championship table with two wins and a draw, while Leeds United, Aston Villa and Swansea City all sit one point adrift.

If Pulis fails to recruit more reinforcements, though, the club could find themselves dropping down the rankings.

Boro are only a few decent players away from being serious promotion challengers, but at the moment they are struggling to get deals over the line.

If Grujic has no desire to join Pulis's team, then the club should move on and focus on other targets rather than try to convince the Liverpool midfielder to change his mind.

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