Striker possibilities, shock moves, Blackburn interested in Aynsley Pears: What Middlesbrough fans can expect on transfer deadline day

Boro boss Neil Warnock has repeatedly said his squad is short of numbers ahead of a long and arduous campaign, yet the Teessiders will only do business if it is financially viable.

Defensive reinforcements appeared to be the priority, especially after Grant Hall suffered a calf injury at QPR and is set for another few weeks on the sidelines.

The Teessiders have started the campaign playing with a back three and wing-backs, requiring Paddy McNair and Anfernee Dijksteel to be versatile and drop into a three-man backline.

Boro have been strongly linked with a loan move for Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman, who could play as a wing-back or on the left of a back three.

The 26-year-old would clearly add quality to Boro’s ranks after loan spells in Germany, France and Spain over the last two years, yet the Teessiders would probably need Chelsea to pay a decent chunk of his wages.

Warnock made it clear he won’t be spending stupid money to bring players in, especially when clubs aren’t profitting from fans attending games.

The other area where Boro could look to strengthen is up front, yet that could depend on the extent of Ashley Fletcher’s hamstring injury.

We haven’t seen the striker in action since he was substituted against Bournemouth last month, with the issue said to be worse than first thought.

Don’t be surprised if we see a few left-field names crop up either, especially after strong reports Boro are in talks to sign Everton winger Yannick Bolasie on loan.

Warnock would like to be able to switch formation to a 4-4-3, a system the 31-year-old would suit.

Despite Boro’s thin squad, there is a possibility we could see outgoings before the end of the window.

Aynsley Pears’ future remains unclear following the arrival of new No 1 goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Fulham.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray has said he wants to sign another keeper and is said to be interested in Pears, with a permanent move possible.

Boro also had plans for some of their younger players to leave on loan yet a lack of numbers may prevent that from happening.

As Deadline Day approaches, we've got a special offer for our loyal readers.

You can now purchase a Hartlepool Mail sport-only subscription with 15% off!

By signing-up, you'll be supporting local journalism while also being able to read every element of our Boro coverage - all for one low, annual cost of £30.56 using the discount code DEADLINE15.

You'll find all the details at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/subscriptions/sports

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor