Middlesbrough face Jordan James issue: Josh Mulligan & Reo Hatate must be on radar instead | OneFootball

Middlesbrough must look at Hibs' Josh Mulligan and Celtic's Reo Hatate if they are priced out of a move for Rennes' Jordan James.

Middlesbrough are in a tussle with three Championship rivals for the signing of Jordan James from Rennes.

It has been a very productive window so far for Kim Hellberg’s side as they look to strengthen the squad ahead of what they hope will be a promotion push.

However, even though they have added genuine quality to the group, Boro are still in the market for more, and it has been claimed that they are among the clubs eyeing up a deal for James.

The 22-year-old was named Young Player of the Year in the Championship after his performances for Leicester last season, where he scored 11 goals in 34 games from midfield.

So, he would be a statement signing for any club at this level, and Boro are in the hunt to sign the Welsh international, although they face competition from relegated trio Wolves, West Ham and Burnley.

And, in an update shared by Teesside Live, it was claimed that Boro could, perhaps understandably, struggle to compete with those clubs when it comes to the wages they can offer to the player.

With Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter already at the club, you could make a case to say Boro have a midfield pairing that is among the best.

Yet, as they found out to their cost last season when Hayden Hackney missed out through injury, you need to have strength in depth to last the distance in the Championship.

Therefore, it would be no surprise if the recruitment team are looking at alternatives, and here we identify TWO players that Middlesbrough could move for if they miss out on James…

Josh Mulligan

The Hibs midfielder has been a standout performer at Easter Road since his arrival from Dundee, and it wouldn’t be a major shock if he took the next step in his career during this window.

West Ham, Wolves and Genoa have all been linked with the player, but no firm offers appear to have been made for the 23-year-old, who could flourish in Hellberg’s system.

Mulligan is a relentless runner, and he would bring intensity and drive to the midfield, which is exactly what the Boro boss wants, so he would be ideally suited to the high-pressing game that the Championship side will implement.

There are areas of his game that Mulligan can improve, but you would back Hellberg to do just that, as he has shown with most of the Middlesbrough team that he can make them better footballers technically and tactically.

So, Mulligan is a player that Boro could mould into a great all-round midfielder, and he would be able to make an instant impact as they aim to reach the Premier League.

Reo Hatate

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Staying in Scotland, Celtic’s Reo Hatate is another player that Middlesbrough should consider.

The Japanese international was integral to Celtic’s dominance under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, and it seemed a matter of time before he was sold to a top five league at a huge price.

But, for whatever reason, that didn’t materialise, and the past 18 months have been difficult for Hatate and Celtic, so his stock is low right now.

Nevertheless, as outlined above, Hellberg could be the coach he needs to fall back in love with the game, and a change of clubs may reignite his career.

If Boro can get the Hatate that starred for Celtic in the first few years following his move in 2022, then he would be a brilliant addition. He has energy, he scores goals, and he is capable of opening up the opposition with a pass, so it could be a risk worth taking considering he won’t command a huge fee.