Defeat shows the need for new reinforcements

MIDDLESBROUGH will continue work on strengthening their squad in the transfer window, with funds from Rav van den Berg's sale likely to help.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Boro accepted an offer worth up to EUR13 million from German Bundesliga side Koln this week, with the defender travelling to finalise the switch.

It follows a period of uncertainty with the centre-back, who made clear he wanted to leave this summer and was subsequently left out of Boro’s squad for the opening day victory over Swansea City.

Asked after the Carabao Cup defeat to Doncaster Rovers, Rob Edwards said: “My focus today has been all on this so I can’t really give much of an update on it. We'll now for certain in due course.

“It will benefit everyone, of course. You don’t want these things rolling on too long.

“It won't affect the lads in the dressing room. The whole thing has been very amicable and he’s been good around the lads and good around training. He and I have kept a good relationship throughout it as well. We want that resolved as quickly as possible so we can all move forward.”