Tony Pulis is yet to sign anyone so far this transfer window, and has expressed his intent to minimise the squad size before spending any money. However, Middlesbrough sit 8th in the Championship, and should look to bolster their options in order to push for promotion.
Firstly a full-back should be one of the priorities for Pulis in the window. Given that versatile defender Fabio looks likely to leave the club, Boro only have Cyrus Christie and George Friend as recognised full-backs.
Although Ryan Shotton has been deployed in this position occasionally in recent weeks, Pulis should look for a out-and-out full-back to provide added competition. Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton has been linked, and could be the perfect answer to Boro’s problems.
Middlesbrough must also look into finding a left-midfielder. They have also chopped and changed in wide areas too, with Stewart Downing the only stalwart in the side.
Martin Braithwaite, Marcus Tavernier, Marvin Johnson and Adama Traore have all had opportunities, with Traore looking the more promising.
But with no nailed down starter, Pulis may look towards an experienced left-sided midfielder to fill the void.
Finally, an attacking-midfielder or ‘number ten‘ is always key in any side. It was the January signing of Gaston Ramirez under Aitor Karanka which gave Boro the extra bit of quality to gain promotion in 2016. They may need something similar in the hope of replicating this feat.
