Middlesbrough are planning ahead in the transfer market and have already identified targets for next summer.

While the imminent January window is obviously the priority at Rockliffe, with Boro aiming to strengthen at least two areas, early plans have already been put in place for next summer and interest in certain players made known.

Head of football Kieran Scott, club bosses, the scouting department and head coach Michael Carrick are working closely to plot future windows, with the World Cup break presenting the opportunity for a series of discussions at Hurworth.

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With the head coach and the club's hierarchy pulling in the same direction when it comes to transfers, Boro have been able to identify longer term targets, while obviously aware of the need for flexibility with the market in constant flux.

"We have certainly plotted and planned January, which then naturally leads to the summer, but you never quite know what is going to happen within that," said Scott.

"There might be a boy you have your eye on for the summer, you do all your work then someone decides to buy him in January. So there's a bit of pushing and twisting.

"We definitely have our eyes on quite a few players for the summer already and conversations have already started with agents to make that happen. At the minute we're looking at two windows."

Recently appointed head of scouting Chris Jones also has a crucial role to play.

Scott said: "Chris has only been in the building for seven or eight weeks. He's going to help me plot and plan."

Boro will target permanent rather than loan signings in January, with a new forward and central midfielder among the priorities. Rotherham United midfielder Dan Barlaser has been linked this week.

Scott said: “We’re going to do whatever is realistic in January. We’re going to try to do as much as we can to improve the squad and the group."

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