Kim Hellberg drops Middlesbrough transfer hint - 25-year-old could sign in January | OneFootball

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg didn't rule out making a move to sign defender Viktor Eriksson from former club Hammarby in the January window.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has refused to rule out a move to sign defender Viktor Eriksson, who he was in charge of at Hammarby.

The Swede has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Boro after being named as Rob Edwards’ successor, having followed up a home win against Derby County with a fantastic 4-1 victory at Hull City, with the visitors scoring all four goals in a dominant first-half display.

That result has kept Boro in the second automatic promotion spot behind league leaders Coventry City, and despite stiff competition from the likes of Ipswich Town and even Millwall in recent weeks, all connected to the club will believe that a return to the Premier League is possible this season.

Kim Hellberg discusses potential Middlesbrough transfer move for Hammarby’s Viktor Eriksson

Of course, the January window is always crucial, and, despite their positive start to life under Hellberg, it’s clear that Middlesbrough need reinforcements.

The Teesside outfit are particularly short in defence right now, with the injury situation meaning Matt Targett had to play in an unfamiliar centre-back role on Friday night.

So, it would be no surprise to see Boro address that in the New Year, and Hellberg didn’t do much to cool talk that he could return to Hammarby to sign Eriksson, who was a key figure for the boss in the Allsvenskan.

That’s after he was asked about the prospect of signing the 25-year-old by Swedish media outlet FotbollDirekt, and whilst he confirmed sporting director Kieran Scott will lead the recruitment drive, he did talk up Eriksson’s ability.

“Of course I will be part of it, but it is Kieran who will be in charge of the signings together with the chairman. Victor Eriksson’s name could of course have been a good name , but we’ll see… Victor is a good player.”

Middlesbrough will be an attractive option for players in the January window

It’s natural that Hellberg will be linked with players from Hammarby, as he knows them well, and there’s no doubt that some would be able to improve the Boro XI.

But, the most important part of Hellberg’s quote is that Scott is going to be ‘in charge’ of the transfers, so whilst Hellberg can recommend players, the club will not pursue someone unless they think they will be a good fit.

That doesn’t mean that Eriksson won’t become a Boro player next month, but the club will have names across the globe that they are considering, and the chance to move to the Riverside Stadium will appeal given Middlesbrough’s position.

Boro have the incentive of being able to potentially offer Premier League football come next August, and with their promotion ambitions not yet waning as we edge closer to the New Year, one can only imagine Riverside Stadium chiefs will be pitching that very factor in negotiations with targets over the coming weeks.

So, it’s an exciting time to be a Boro fan, and if they can add a few more players in January, which includes a centre-back or two, then there’s no reason why they can’t win promotion this season.