Boro have brought in three players already this month, with Leo Castledine and Jeremy Sarmiento having arrived to bolster the wide-attacking positions and Fin Munroe having been recruited to improve the club’s long-term options at left-back.
However, there is still a desire to sign another forward this month, with Boro officials having held preliminary discussions over three possible targets.
One of those targets is understood to be a Championship-based player with extensive domestic experience, although the three are not regarded as like-for-like options with Boro considering versatile forwards capable of filling a number of positions in Kim Hellberg’s preferred system as well as out-and-out ‘number nines’.
The club are currently assessing their options as they have been quoted what they regard as unrealistic demands for at least one of the forwards they are currently pursuing.
Tommy Conway has been hugely influential in the last few months, and has added goals to his game by scoring three times in the last two matches, but with David Strelec and Kaly Sene still to return from lengthy injury absences, there is a strong desire to ensure Boro are not left short of firepower as they attempt to challenge for automatic promotion in the final three months of the season.
The next 48 hours are likely to prove crucial to Boro’s transfer hopes, with further talks planned on the three different fronts.
If Boro are able to land another forward, that could spell the end of their incoming January business, although club officials are working behind-the-scenes to put plans in place in case Newcastle United opt to recall Matt Targett ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Newcastle can now recall Targett at any stage before the window closes, although the Magpies’ need for additional defensive cover has waned following the return of both Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn from injury.
READ MORE:
What happened after key Middlesbrough transfer decision that led to change of outlook
Middlesbrough attacking transfer decision and what happens next – and Sunderland exit
With Emil Krafth also due to back available within the next couple of weeks, Eddie Howe’s defensive injury crisis has eased, although Burn is yet to prove his full fitness and the situation would change if the England international was to struggle on his return to the side.
As things stand, Targett looks likely to remain with Boro until the end of the season, but the recruitment team at Rockliffe Park are determined to ensure they are not left in the lurch if Newcastle change their mind in the next few days.
Targets have been identified, with Munroe’s lack of Championship experience meaning club officials would not want to lose Targett without being able to bring in another left-back before the closure of the window.
Boro are also working on potential outgoings, with Delano Burgzorg expected to join Bristol City on loan for the remainder of the season.
Burgzorg looked set to remain on Teesside when an initial round of talks with Bristol City were called off earlier this week, and Hellberg praised the Dutch forward effusively after he scored a dramatic last-minute winner at West Brom.
However, the signing of Sarmiento on an initial loan deal that will become a permanent transfer in the summer has added some extra competition in the wide-attacking areas, and Burgzorg is now on the verge of completing a move to Ashton Gate.
There could be further departures in the attacking areas, with Manchester City understood to be considering recalling Sverre Nypan from his current loan given his lack of involvement in the first half of the season.
Nypan signed a season-long agreement when he moved to Teesside in the summer, but the Norwegian has been unable to establish himself in Boro’s first team, with his last start having come back in October. Manchester City could opt to recall the 19-year-old and send him elsewhere for the second half of the campaign.
Boro are also willing to listen to offers for Micah Hamilton, who did not make the matchday squad for last weekend’s win over Preston.