Boro are keen to sign at least one more centre-back before the start of the campaign, yet there is also a lack of creativity in the final third.
We’ve picked out nine creative players who could be available for Boro to sign on loan this summer – scroll down and flick through our gallery to see them:
1. Patrick Roberts (Manchester City)
An obvious one to start. Roberts showed Boro fans what he's capable of during a loan spell last season and many would take him back in a heartbeat. Photo: Naomi Baker
2. Jordan Jones (Rangers)
Another player who has been on Boro's radar. The 25-year-old has made a name for himself in Scotland since leaving the Riverside in 2016 but is now surplus to requirements at Rangers under Steven Gerrard. Jones still has three years left on his contract at Ibrox. Photo: Ian MacNicol
3. Jack Clarke (Tottenham)
A player who was linked with Boro in January but instead joined QPR on loan. Despite his potential it seems unlikely the 19-year-old will break into Spurs' first team this season so another loan move may suit him. Photo: George Wood
4. Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)
Magpies boss Steve Bruce said he'll assess Murphy's situation in the next few weeks. The 25-year-old impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season and will have other suitors in the second tier. Photo: Alex Livesey