Wednesday 13 July 2016 13:26, UK
We take a look at the ways in which Middlesbrough need to strengthen in the summer transfer window.
What are the key areas for improvement? Who could fill the gaps?
We examine the situation with the help of manager quotes and expert pundit views...
Marten de Roon (Atalanta, £12m), Viktor Fischer (Ajax, £3.8m), Bernardo Espinosa (Sporting Gijon, free), Jordan McGhee (Hearts, loan), Victor Valdes (free)
Jonathan Woodgate (released), Damia Abella (released), Rhys Williams (Perth Glory, free), Jonathan Burn (Kilmarnock, loan), Jordan Jones (Kilmarnock, free), Luke Coddington (Huddersfield, free), Andre Bennett (released)
It is widely accepted that any newly-promoted club faces a fight to survive in the Premier League and Middlesbrough are no different. With that in mind, boss Aitor Karanka has wasted no time in bolstering at the back, where experienced goalkeeper Victor Valdes has arrived after being released by Manchester United. There have also been new arrivals in midfield, but Boro still need to strengthen their attack.
Boro are closing in on a loan deal for Valencia's former Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo, according to Sky sources. They are also said to be keen on former Southampton playmaker Gaston Ramirez, and they have held talks with Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic about a possible move to the Riverside Stadium.
Whoever is next through the door, it's clear that club chairman Steve Gibson is prepared to splash the cash in an effort to ensure their latest Premier League adventure lasts more than just a single season.
"Last summer, we had problems bringing in players at the beginning, but now we have a lot of players arriving and hopefully there will be more arriving soon," said Karanka. "The targets are more or less clear, and for that reason I am really pleased."
"They've brought in a few foreign players but they're a settled team as well. I think Karanka is a good manager and I think the way he has them set up tactically could suit them in the Premier League because they're the kind of team that likes to play on the counter-attack.
"They will have possession but when teams come at them, that's when they can pick them off and I think more often than not in the Premier League, teams will look to come at them and I think that could benefit Middlesbrough with the players that they've got. They have some very good players on the ball so being under pressure could benefit them.
"I think he will stick with the players who got Middlesbrough promoted to a certain extent, but Karanka has shown he isn't afraid to go out and spend money. He had the success by getting promoted so I think if he sees that there is a position that needs strengthening and it means bringing in a new player, then he will do that. I wouldn't be surprised to see a right-back come in and possibly another centre-half."