Middlesbrough are looking to make a fourth summer signing as they prepare a bid for one of their summer targets.
After a large overturn of players in 2023, Middlesbrough are aiming to get the majority of their transfer business done early this year.
Michael Carrick only welcomed his Boro players back for the start of pre-season last week but three new signings have already been made.
The Teessiders kicked off their summer business by signing Luke Ayling on a free transfer from Leeds United after a successful loan spell at the Riverside last term.
Steve Gibson backed a move for Dutch forward Delano Burgzorg, who scored seven while on loan at Huddersfield Town in the previous campaign.
Middlesbrough’s latest signing saw them strengthen in the middle of the park with the addition of USA international, Aidan Morris.
With Morris through the door, it is understood that a new striker remains a priority for Boro this summer.
However, another position is now seemingly being targeted by the North East outfit.
Middlesbrough prepare bid for Ryan Giles
According to Hull Live, Middlesbrough are preparing a bid to bring Ryan Giles back to the Riverside this summer.
Giles spent 2022/23 on loan at Middlesbrough from Wolverhampton Wanderers and was crucial to the club finishing fourth that season.
The left-back provided an impressive 11 assists in one campaign for the Reds and was dubbed a ‘massive threat’ by Carrick, as per the Northern Echo.
He said: “There was a time when teams could see him doing so well and they were looking at that and shutting it off.
“So, we’ve had to find other ways to attack and stretch teams. But when he gets into those positions, as he has done, he’s such a massive threat.”
Middlesbrough looked to have missed out on signing Giles this summer when Hull City confirmed they had triggered an option to sign the 24-year-old from Luton Town.
However, Boro were given a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of Giles last week amid uncertainty around the defender’s role under new manager Tim Walter and potential FFP issues at the MKM Stadium.
And now, Hull Live claim sources close to Middlesbrough say that Hull are expecting a formal bid for Giles.
Giles could be key to Middlesbrough promotion push
Middlesbrough’s completed summer transfer business so far this summer has been decent, but the re-signing of Giles would show major intent from the club in the promotion race.
The left-back would likely need little time to settle in as he has already worked with Carrick and the majority of the Boro squad previously.
His attacking threat, as shown in 2022/23, was also crucial to the style of play the Boro manager wants to implement on Teesside.
Carrick likes his full-backs to push high up the pitch and almost act as extra wingers when Middlesbrough have the ball.
Boro’s current left-backs, Lukas Engel and Alex Bangura, did a decent job of this in 2023/24, but it is clear Giles is a level above the duo.
Should Middlesbrough land Giles and avoid an injury crisis similar to the one they suffered last season, it is hard not see to them finishing in at least the top six in 2024/25.