Ash Phillips to sign? Middlesbrough must sort 3 transfer situations by August 15th | OneFootball

The three transfer situations Middlesbrough must resolve before the opening game of the new season

Middlesbrough will be aiming to compete for promotion to the Premier League next season after missing out on a return with a play-off final defeat to Hull City.

Kim Hellberg’s side were offered a second chance last season when they lost to Southampton in the semi-finals, but took their place to take on the Tigers anyway.

The Saints had been expelled from the competition for breaching the EFL’s rules against spying on opposition training, but the Teesside outfit lost 1-0 to Sergej Jakirovic’s team.

Boro have been active in the summer transfer market to try and bolster their squad for next season, bringing in the likes of Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear.

But there could be more incomings to follow between now and the end of the transfer window.

Here we look at three transfer situations Middlesbrough must resolve before their opening game of the new season against Lincoln City on 15 August…

Ash Phillips pursuit

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It has been reported that Middlesbrough are seeking a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for defender Ashley Phillips.

The 21-year-old has been unable to break into the first team squad at the Premier League side, having gone out on loan to Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle in recent seasons.

But it’s been claimed that Spurs have set a £12 million asking price for the centre-back, with Boro keen to strengthen their backline.

Adding the Welsh international would be a smart signing, and getting it done before the opening round of the campaign would solve a selection headache for Hellberg, as he is likely to go straight into the starting lineup.

Radek Vitek transfer chase

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Radek Vitek earned a lot of praise for his performances while on loan at Bristol City last season, but he has now returned to Manchester United.

However, he’s unlikely to earn game time under Michael Carrick given Senne Lammens is first choice at Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough are among the clubs to have been linked with the Czech underage international, with Celtic also in the mix.

While Sol Brynn has performed well under Hellberg, it makes sense to pursue Vitek given how strongly he played last season and the fact he is only 22.

The tussle for his signature could be quite fierce, and Middlesbrough will want to act quickly and decisively if they are to bring him to the Riverside.

So securing this deal before 15 August could be the only way they win the race to sign him.

Left-back reinforcements

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Matt Targett was a key figure for Middlesbrough last season, but he has departed the club following the end of his loan spell from Newcastle United.

One replacement that has been linked with a move to the Riverside is Max Arftsen, who is currently plying his trade with Columbus Crew in MLS.

James Penrice has also reportedly earned the attention of Boro, as well as Celtic, and he is another option that could take on the role on the left flank.

Regardless of who Middlesbrough sign, it is clear that a replacement for Targett is needed and preferably they will arrive before the opening game of the new Championship campaign.