Future unclear as Boro push ahead with plans

WHILE the outcome of Middlesbrough’s post-season review is still not yet known, it has not interrupted planning for the summer transfer window.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

The unique first window opened on Sunday and will remain open until next Tuesday morning, though there isn’t expected to be much business done within this ten-day window.

With the majority of players still away on holiday, it is instead expected that business will really start to pick up towards the end of the month, with the second, usual summer transfer window opening on June 16.

At Middlesbrough, despite the review taking place since the end of last season to determine where things went wrong, and crucially, what needs to be done to ensure there are marked improvements next season, there has still been plenty of extensive planning for the summer transfer window.

That includes identifying the five positions Boro want to strengthen (right-back, centre-back, midfield, forward and striker), as well as identifying the top targets they wish to pursue for each of those key areas.