Middlesbrough transfer plans revealed over potential move for attacker | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are not expected to make a move to sign Jalal Abdullai from Elfsborg in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough are not expected to pursue a transfer move for Elfsborg forward Jalal Abdullai in the January window.

The 20-year-old is seen as an exciting talent in Scandinavia after breaking through at the Swedish club before spending the current season on loan at Molde.

His form over the years has put Abdullai on the radar of clubs in England, with reports from Sweden claiming that Preston and Boro are tracking the player.

Middlesbrough not expected to make a move for Jalal Abdullai

However, in a fresh twist, Teesside Live has revealed that Abdullai is not someone that Middlesbrough are looking to sign in the New Year.

They state that whilst Boro are expected to be active, and new boss Kim Hellberg could push to sign players from Sweden given his knowledge of the country, it appears Abdullai is not someone they are monitoring.

Hellberg has already opened up on the process that will take place when it comes to bringing in new signings, with sporting director Kieran Scott in charge of things, even if the head coach will be able to have a big say in who Boro target.

It would be no surprise if Middlesbrough are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month, although they have been effective in front of goal since Hellberg was named as Rob Edwards’ successor.

Middlesbrough must get January business right if they are to sustain promotion push

We know that the January window is crucial in the promotion race, and Boro are sure to be an attractive option to players when you look at their position, as there’s a very real chance they could be in the Premier League next season.

So, they will look to improve the group from a position of strength, and owner Steve Gibson will surely recognise that this is the time to really push the boat out and back Hellberg.

Clearly, Abdullai would have been a risk in the sense that he is a young, unproven player, but the recruitment team at Middlesbrough will know what they need going into January.

Boro will surely be targeting players who can come in and make an immediate impact in Boro's promotion bid, perhaps those already acclimated to the demands of the top-end of the Championship.

Of course, if Hellberg has recommendations, they will listen to his input, and his extensive knowledge of Sweden in particular could be very useful if the club are looking for some potential bargains.

There are still some huge games to be played in the coming weeks, but those behind the scenes will have one eye on the window as they look to give Hellberg the tools for Boro to sustain their push to reach the Premier League.