Where Middlesbrough stand on transfer deadline day as Neil Warnock closes in on fifth signing of the window

Yet Middlesbrough and their Championship rivals still have a couple more weeks to complete their business and finalise their squads ahead of a long and arduous campaign.

That is because an extra domestic window will run until 5pm on Friday, October 16, yet Premier League clubs will only be able to trade with those in the EFL, not among themselves or with clubs abroad.

So what does that mean for Boro?

We know manager Neil Warnock wants to sign one or two more players in the next few weeks, and revealed Patrick Roberts is close to re-signing for the Teessiders on a season-long loan.

Boro don’t have to rush that deal as Roberts plays for Manchester City, yet any signings from overseas would have to be concluded today.

That seems unlikely, though, despite the recent arrival of Chuba Akpom from Greek side PAOK last month.

“We were interested in one lad abroad which would have to be done by October 5,” said Warnock last week.

"But the figures keep changing, and you get different agents coming into it - it’s a minefield at the moment.”

One thing which does seem apparent is that Boro are looking at loan deals rather than permanent transfers.

As well as a creative player, Warnock would like to sign another centre-back to provide cover for Boro’s three-man backline.

Anfernee Dijksteel, Dael Fry and Paddy McNair all performed well during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barnsley but the club don’t have many options beyond that, especially as Grant Hall is set to be sidelined for another three to four weeks with a calf injury.

Warnock said on Saturday that, aside from Roberts, no other signings are iminent, and his players will have to be adaptable in a thin squad.

But after a slow start to the window, Boro have made signings in some key areas, while Warnock has improved players during pre-season.

Boro were also keen to loan out some of their younger players, like Stephen Walker, Nathan Wood and Sam Folarin, but that will depend on players coming in.

Hopefully there are a few more additions to come.

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