Middlesbrough transfer plans revealed as Hayden Hackney truth emerges | OneFootball

The club have identified the positions they need to strengthen this summer.

After missing out on promotion to the Premier League, Middlesbrough are aiming to strengthen their squad to go one step further next term.

Boro endured a dramatic season on several fronts, with Rob Edwards departing for Wolves after a stellar start, before they were knocked out of the Championship play-offs, reinstated, and lost to Hull City in the final.

Significant changes are expected this summer as Hayden Hackney has been heavily linked with a Premier League move, with Everton and Crystal Palace both keen on his services.

Now, the Teesside clubs' summer transfer plans have been revealed, including exactly what positions will be targeted ahead of the new campaign.

Middlesbrough targeting several positions regardless of Hayden Hackney's future

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Boro enjoyed a successful season on several fronts by finishing fifth and reaching a play-off final, but there is an overwhelming feeling of what could have been.

Under Edwards, the Teessiders raced out of the blocks and were the team to beat, and while the wheels did not come off by any stretch, they fell short in several departments.

Middlesbrough were defensively solid all campaign, conceding just 47 goals, with only champions Coventry City conceding less, while their 72 goals scored was only bettered by three sides.

However, the club know they must improve to go one better and will look to sign at least one striker as well as one versatile forward and wide player, according to the Northern Echo.

The publication reports that central midfield is another priority regardless of what happens with Hackney, although it is recognised that replacing him will be the most challenging bit of business they must do.

Boro also want to bolster the left-back position, having opted against pursuing a permanent move for Matt Targett, while the goalkeeping department also needs addressing, with Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng set to be the only senior goalkeepers on the books, although the latter is expected to depart.

What positions should be a priority for Kim Hellberg and Boro?

While Morgan Whittaker and Tommy Conway both surpassed 10 goals, Middlesbrough should prioritise a natural goalscorer to add more firepower to their squad.

David Strelec, who started the play-off final against the Tigers, endured a below-par first season at the Riverside Stadium, bagging just eight goals, while Kim Hellberg's men never looked like scoring at Wembley Stadium.

The club must also decide whether they want to put faith in Brynn to be their number one next term, as his mistake at the home of football led to Oli McBurnie's winner.

Brynn probably has enough credit in the bank, but given that the club are set to sign at least one shot-stopper, his place in the starting lineup could be under threat.

Then there is the Hackney conundrum: it seems just a matter of time until Boro's homegrown talent departs, and while filling his shoes would be tough, they would have the finances to bring in an adequate replacement.