Middlesbrough are on an excellent run of form at the moment, typified by the excellent performance beating table-topping Leicester City, but there are certain areas that could be in need of strengthening come January.
Looking at the overall squad balance and depth, the club are in decent shape, but there are three positions in particular that are likely to prompt some movement in the transfer market when the window re-opens. Here, we look at three potential signings for those areas.
1. Kieffer Moore-Striker
A striker that has often been on Middlesbrough’s radar in the past, the centre-forward has bags of experience, is tidy in possession and holds the ball up well, not to mention his excellent aerial prowess. He is similar in stature and style to Coburn, and would suit Carrick’s style of patient build up play. Has of course been in lots of pressure situations and knows what a Championship promotion charge entails.
Carrick has insisted that he is not on the look out for another striker, but imagine if either Coburn or maybe worse still Latte Lath were to pick up an injury? Boro have just two specialist strikers available currently.
For clarity, i say worse still, in the case of Latte Lath because Carrick would likely turn to Crooks or Rogers as a nine in the same mould as Coburn, but Latte Lath is completely different to what we have and we would lose that impact and impetus from the bench without the threat of the pacy Ivorian.
In terms of the likelihood of getting Moore, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has recently said that the Welsh forward can ‘still be valuable’ to the Cherries, but he is yet to start a game this season and in some cases, did not even make the matchday squad.
A short-term loan deal for the Wales international may suit all parties.
2. Ben Johnson-Right-back
The West Ham full-back was named The Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year for the 21/22 season for the second season in succession, but after impressive showings in the successful Europa Conference competition, the 23-year-old was hoping for more opportunities.
There is speculation that the full-back is refusing to sign a new contract with the London club, so clubs are on high alert with regard to his availability.
In terms of why Middlesbrough will be on the look out for a right-back, Tommy Smith is out with a long-term injury, with Boro’s talented young centre-back, Rav van den Berg filling the void. The only other recognised right-back is Anfernee Dijksteel.
Deal dependent on McNair situation
Boro’s quest for another right-back is not the most pressing, but much will depend on the contract decision with Paddy McNair. The Northern Ireland international’s contract expires at the end of the season. Middlesbrough could decide to keep him, he has been a catalyst for the good form shown by the side of late, but if interest in the centre-back re-emerges in January, it may be too difficult to turn down. That would mean van den Berg would potentially move to centre-back and that means Boro would be incredibly light in the full-back department once more.
Johnson has been a player of interest to Boro in the past, with rumours suggesting the club were looking into a deal for the West Ham full-back in the summer. He would fit the bill as he has that strength and ability to almost play as a third centre-back tucking in when Boro attack high up the pitch on the left-hand side.
The difficulty in securing his signature, is that Premier League clubs are likely to be interested in him. A loan deal, with West Ham re-negotiating with the player at the end of the season is a more likely scenario.
3. Zack Steffen-Goalkeeper
This selection may raise some eye-brows, but the reason for the inclusion is simple, Seny Dieng-who has been absolutely vital to Boro this season and instrumental in their success-is likely to be missing for the best part of a month due to commitments with Senegal in the African Cup of Nations.
It would be a pivotal time between mid-January and mid-February with the club potentially jostling for play-off places. To lose a very good goalkeeper, without replacing him could be catastrophic.
Glover could also be missing
If Senegal are to be as successful as they were last time out, when they won the competition, he could miss as many as 6 Championship games. So why not just play Tom Glover? Well, remarkably, he could also be representing his country at the same time in the Gold Cup with Australia.
That leaves the experienced, but largely unused Jamie Jones. Surely Michael Carrick would be taking a huge risk by not replacing that vital element of Boro’s style of play. Steffen is perfectly placed to be able to come in, he knows the area, the squad, the coaching staff, it would be seamless. Not only that, he is one of only a few goalkeepers at this level who can play out as well as Dieng.
Would Manchester City be willing to loan him to Middlesbrough? Well, he has not kicked a ball in anger since returning from his loan spell with the Teesside club, so he would be getting valuable game time and if they are intent on selling the stopper, it is a surefire way of putting him in the shop window to remind clubs what he can do.