Middlesbrough are stepping up efforts to strengthen their attack, with the club “actively pursuing” three different forward targets ahead of next Monday’s transfer deadline.
Boro have already made three additions this month, bringing in Leo Castledine and Jeremy Sarmiento to boost the wide areas, while Fin Munroe has been signed as a long-term option at left-back.
Despite that business, the club are still keen to add another attacker and have held early talks over three potential signings.
One of the names under consideration is believed to be a Championship player with strong domestic experience.
However, the trio are not identical profiles, with Boro looking at versatile forwards who can operate across multiple roles in Kim Hellberg’s system, as well as traditional number nines. The club are weighing up their options after receiving what they see as inflated demands for at least one of the players.
Tommy Conway has played a key role in recent weeks, scoring three goals in the last two matches, but with David Strelec and Kaly Sene still sidelined long-term, Boro are determined not to be short of attacking options as they push for automatic promotion over the final months of the campaign.
The next couple of days are expected to be decisive, with more discussions planned regarding all three targets. Should Boro secure another forward, that could signal the end of their January incomings — though contingency plans are also being drawn up in case Newcastle United decide to recall Matt Targett before Monday’s 7pm cut-off.
Newcastle have the option to bring Targett back at any point before the window shuts.
However, their defensive situation has improved following the return of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, while Emil Krafth is also nearing fitness.
As it stands, Targett is likely to stay on Teesside for the rest of the season, but Boro’s recruitment staff are preparing for all possibilities. With Munroe still inexperienced at Championship level, the club would want to sign another left-back if Targett were to depart.
Boro are also working on outgoing deals. Delano Burgzorg is set to join Bristol City on loan for the remainder of the season. The Dutch attacker had seemed likely to stay after earlier talks stalled, and he was praised by Hellberg after scoring a late winner at West Brom. However, Sarmiento’s arrival has increased competition in wide areas, paving the way for Burgzorg’s move to Ashton Gate.
Further changes in attack are possible. Manchester City are considering recalling Sverre Nypan due to his limited involvement since joining on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old Norwegian has struggled for minutes, with his last start coming in October, and could be sent elsewhere for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Boro are open to offers for Micah Hamilton, who was left out of the squad for last weekend’s victory over Preston.
Leave a Reply