Boro will look to bounce back this weekend, when they play host to Birmingham City - a side they thrashed 4-1 last month - in a Saturday lunchtime kick-off.Meanwhile, Middlesbrough continue to plot their transfer business as January window deals gradually trickle through, and it will be fascinating to see which new faces the club can bring in over the coming weeks.As always, we've scoured the web to provide you with a round-up of all the latest news and transfer talk from the second tier - scroll down to see the top stories doing the rounds in the Championship.
5. Owls and Preston target up for grabs
Everton look set to allow young defender Jarrod Branthwaite to leave the club temporarily on a loan spell. A number of Championship sides are said to be interested, including Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Blackburn. (Echo) Photo: DAVE THOMPSON
6. Duo could return for Boro ace
Everton and Newcastle United could look to reignite their respective interest in Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence this month. However, Boro look unlikely to sanction the sale of the 20-year-old. (Team Talk) Photo: Alex Livesey
7. Leeds man set to stay with Blackburn
Blackburn look set to hang onto Leeds United's Barry Douglas for the second half of the season, despite their ongoing pursuit of Crewe left-back Harry Pickering. Douglas has made 12 appearances this so far season. (The 72) Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. Preston make Whiteman breakthrough
Preston are believed to have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of Doncaster Rovers ace Ben Whiteman, with the latest reports claiming the club have had a £1.5m bid accepted. Nottingham Forest are also keen. (Football Insider) Photo: Pete Norton