Last Updated: Wed, 07 May 2008 12:26
Gareth Southgate will almost certainly bid to bolster Boro's midfield as Fabio Rochemback is about to open talks with Sporting Lisbon.
The Middlesbrough manager will be aware that his current midfielders have not cut the mustard in front of goal this season with only winger Stewart Downing finding the net sufficiently with seven goals and is second top scorer behind Tuncay Sanli ahead of the final game against Manchester City on Sunday.
Julio Arca, Rochemback, George Boateng and Gary O'Neil, who have been the main occupiers of the midfield positions, have managed three goals between them. Therefore Southgate is looking to boost that area of his squad, especially as two players could be on their way out of the club this summer.
Boateng has just one year left on his contract and has been linked with a move away, while Brazilian ace Rochemback's representative Vifran Pompeo has confirmed he will hold talks with former club Sporting Lisbon about a return as Boro are certain to opt against triggering an option to keep him for another two seasons.
"Rochemback will have a meeting with Sporting Lisbon to negotiate in the next week," said Pompeo.
"Fabio loved to play with Sporting, he respects them and has many friends there. But as of today nothing is official yet."
Southgate will look to keep O'Neil and probably Arca, despite his poor recent form, while adding at least two quality midfielders to his squad.
As Boro also attempted to sign Wagner Love and Fred in January it suggests another striker could also be on the shopping list, although Southgate will have been pleased with Tuncay and record signing Afonso Alves' recent link up play and hope that can blossom further next season.
If another striker arrives then South Korean Dong-Gook Lee could be joined by injury-plagued £6million hitman Mido going through the exit door.