MIDDLESBROUGH will turn their attention to the forward line after the capture of Aidan Morris is confirmed - with a striker and versatile forward both top of the club's transfer wishlist.

Boro's aim, if possible, is to bring in a striker on a permanent deal rather than a loan, with a leading target identified.

An incoming frontman will add competition for Emmanuel Latte Lath, who finished last season in blistering form, and Josh Coburn, who will be fully fit again for the start of pre-season.

While Boro's priority is to strengthen the forward line with a permanent arrival, they are keeping tabs on players who might be available for loan should they decide to dip into that market later this summer.

The heavily linked Will Lankshear is one of many young Premier League strikers Boro have watched. But no offer has been tabled by Boro or is imminent as things stand.

Lankshear is one of several young Premier League forwards on a list Boro will turn to should they decide they want or need a loan later this summer or even further down the line in January. They'll continue to monitor Lankshear's situation, as they would any young forward impressing in the Premier League youth ranks, but suggestions of a firm offer from Boro are well wide of the mark. There's clearly an effort in the capital to raise interest in the 19-year-old former Sheffield United frontman.

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Head of football Kieran Scott has said this summer that Boro are open to the idea of loan signings but only if there's an option to make deals permanent.

With Boro prioritising a striker signing this summer, there has been inevitable talk among fans about former loanee Cameron Archer.

The 22-year-old is due to return to Aston Villa following Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League. Villa were obligated to re-sign Archer, with the Blades having effectively paid a loan fee for the striker 12 months ago.

Archer will likely be made available again this summer but is not in Boro's thinking as things stand - simply because of how unlikely it is that a deal could be struck.

As evidenced by the Sheffield United deal last year, any move for Archer this summer would be extremely expensive and the striker is thought to want Premier League football.

Boro will naturally keep half an eye on that situation from afar but have identified their leading striker target this summer and their preference would be a permanent deal.

Boro look set to bolster their squad with the capture of USA international Aidan Morris, with a deal agreed with Columbus Crew earlier this week.

Morris was Boro's top midfield target and has been watched extensively for more than a year. Boro will pay just over £3m for the 22-year-old, who has played five times for the USA senior team.

While Boro have high hopes for the midfielder, there will be understandable patience early next season given Morris hasn't yet had a summer break. The MLS season is still ongoing and reports in the States say Morris will play once more for Columbus Crew before leaving for Boro.