In the meantime, record numbers of football fans have been taking to Football Manager to get their fix. For a bit of fun, we've fired up the popular management sim and sent the game into the future, to have a peek at who Boro are predicted to sign over the next two transfer windows.
9. Ricky-Jade Jones - Peterborough United - £145k
Flash forward to January, and Woodgate is delving back into the transfer market. This is a bit of a coup, considering the number of teams who've been after the striker. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) Photo: Nathan Stirk
10. Jason Steele - Brighton - Free transfer
Steele is back in town, after failing to break into the first team at Brighton. He'll be eager to fight for a starting spot for next season. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
11. Anwar El Ghazi - Aston Villa - £5.5 million
Boom! The cheque book is open. The flying Dutchman arrives at the Riverside to much excitement, and he's raring to go after seeing his career stagnate with the Villains. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Photo: Ian MacNicol
12. Jeremy Pied - Lille - Loan
Despite playing plenty of games for Lille, the Ligue 1 side let their starting right-back make the move to the Championship until the end of the season. He was once on the books at Southampton. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Rose