MIDDLESBROUGH boss Neil Warnock is keen to open talks with Junior Hoilett following the winger’s departure from Cardiff City.

Hoilett announced his exit from the Bluebirds last night, with his contract at the Cardiff City Stadium formally due to expire at the end of this month.

The 30-year-old spent five years with Cardiff, and played under Warnock when the Boro manager was in charge in South Wales.

Warnock is set to oversee a major overhaul of his Boro squad this summer, with forwards and attacking-wide players a key priority.

As a free agent, Hoilett makes understandable appeal, and Warnock is keen to hold talks with the Canadian and his representatives before the end of the week.

Hoilett might not be the only former Cardiff player offered a deal at the Riverside, with Warnock pondering whether to offer Nathaniel Mendez-Laing a contract for next season.

Mendez-Laing’s short-term deal on Teesside has expired, but while the forward struggled for fitness after joining as a free agent in February, Warnock is convinced he will be a much different proposition if he has a full pre-season under his belt.