Middlesbrough might be ready for a busy January transfer period as the Teesside outfit attempt to make changes to the first team squad.
In the first half of the season, Michael Carrick’s club has had difficulty staying consistent as they attempt to contend for promotion to the Premier League.
In the previous season, Boro lost to Coventry City in the play-off semi-final and came very close to making a return to the top division.
The club had a strong second half of the season and ended up fourth in the Championship table.
Nevertheless, Carrick’s club has found it difficult to stay competitive this season, as they are not among the top six.
Here, we examine the most recent transfer rumors pertaining to the team as they search for possible additions to the squad for the second half of the campaign.
Last week, Finn Azaz, a permanent transfer from Aston Villa, became the team’s first January acquisition of the winter transfer season.
Having played the entire season with Plymouth Argyle the previous year as they were promoted to League One, the Ireland youth international had spent the first part of this season with them.
The midfield player, who has distinguished himself for the Pilgrims, gave an explanation for his 2024 move to the Riverside.
“From the get-go, it was obvious that the club had done their due diligence on me,” stated Azaz, via the club’s official website.
Speaking with the manager, the staff, and a few players here, as well as having faced them earlier in the season, gave me confidence that it would be a good fit.
It appeared to be the ideal fit.
“Carrick is the calmest guy I’ve spoken to, no matter what the circumstances—winning, losing, or otherwise.
In that regard, I believe we are highly compatible, and I would always like my manager to share those values.
“During our conversation, everything revolved around his goals for the team’s advancement and development.
“I wholeheartedly agreed with that.”
Farke remarks on the Ayling rumors
This month, Luke Ayling has been the focus of transfer rumors, with Boro purportedly interested in the defender.
Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, has made it clear that he does not want to lose the full-back this month, especially since Djed Spence returned to Tottenham Hotspur.
“I am not interested,” stated Farke, citing Teesside Live.
“I express my admiration for Luke and my thoughts on his worth to us frequently. I won’t address rumors in my comment.”There is a player connected to us every single day.”
According to reports, Middlesbrough, Celtic, and Rangers will battle it out to recruit Scott McKenna from Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League team has lost favor with the defender, therefore he may be open to signing this month.
However, if Boro wants to win the competition for the center-back’s signature this January, they will need to stave off interest from the two Scottish powerhouses, according to Sky Sports News.
According to earlier reports, Middlesbrough was in the lead in the competition to recruit the 27-year-old.
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