Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg drops Delano Burgzorg transfer claim - Bristol City may be disappointed | OneFootball

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has discussed the future of Delano Burgzorg after the attacker was linked with a move to Bristol City.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has praised Delano Burgzorg after his match-winning goal against West Brom - and insists he hasn’t thought about selling the attacker this month.

The 27-year-old has featured regularly under the Swedish head coach since his appointment, although he perhaps hasn’t had the number of starts he would’ve wanted.

Coupled with the arrival of Leo Castledine from Chelsea and the interest in Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento, there has been speculation surrounding Burgzorg’s future, with reports claiming that Bristol City are keen on the forward before the mid-season transfer window shuts on February 2.

Kim Hellberg sends Delano Burgzorg message after West Brom victory

However, Burgzorg has remained at the Riverside Stadium so far this month, and he made a crucial contribution against West Brom on Friday night, as he came from the bench to score a late winner at The Hawthorns with a cool finish.

Even with the arrival of Leo Castledine, and Boro chasing Jeremy Sarmiento, many fans will feel there is still a role for Burgzorg to play.

And, when speaking to the Northern Echo, Hellberg wouldn’t be drawn on specific transfers, but he was full of praise for Burgzorg for the way he has been playing.

“I think everything he [Burgzorg] has done has been brilliant. He has been working really hard and showing really good energy in every minute," Hellberg said post-West Brom win.

“My focus is on coaching the players that are here. I’m not thinking about who’s going to move or anything like that. I’m just coaching them – and he has been working brilliantly.”

Hellberg's comments will likely be a blow to Bristol City's chances of landing the Dutch attacker this month, with Gerhard Struber pushing to add another attacking face to his play-off chasing unit.

The Robins may still be able to strike a deal if Boro need to balance the books in order to bring fresh faces in, but if he's going to score match-winning goals, Burgzorg may well be kept on Teesside.

Delano Burgzorg can play a big role in Middlesbrough’s promotion push

Given Boro’s position in the table, it would be a major risk to sell any player who is making an impact during this month.

Burgzorg can be a frustrating player, and realistically he won’t be in the XI every week, especially if another new face does arrive, but he proved against Albion that he can have a big role to play.

His movement and finish were very impressive, and the comments from Hellberg suggest he is still performing well in training on a day-to-day basis.

With so much to play for over the next few months, Hellberg will want to ensure he has enough players to cope with the demands, so, even if there was a suitable offer on the table, it would be no surprise if Boro tried to delay any sale until the summer.

Ultimately, though, this month is all about backing Hellberg and ensuring he has enough quality and depth to help Middlesbrough to promotion, so if Burgzorg does move on, a replacement must be lined up.

So, it could be a busy final two weeks of the window, but it’s an exciting time for Boro as they look to reach the Premier League.