Aitor Karanka will target a new midfielder this month - but has ruled out signing another Chelsea loanee to bolster Boro’s ranks.
With Milos Veljkovic returning to White Hart Lane yesterday, the Spaniard is keen to recruit another body to compliment central midfield trio Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton and Dean Whitehead.
Boro have already utilised the loan market effectively this campaign, with Patrick Bamford, Kenneth Omeruo and Tomas Kalas all arriving from Stamford Bridge.
And although Karanka ruled out bringing in a fourth player from the Premier League leaders, he does expect the new man to be another loanee.
“I don’t think in January you can find a very good player to pay money for. The good players are playing,” Karanka said.
“We are not looking to spend a lot of money on a new player.
“I don’t think we’ll bring another from Chelsea, but they send players here because the players are playing.
“We wanted Tomas Kalas at the beginning of the season but he went to Germany. He has already played more games in one week than he did in Germany for five months.
“It is not because Jose (Mourinho) is my friend, it is because the players who arrive on loan are playing. That helps us, wherever we look to get players in from.
“I like to have two players for every position (so) we need one more in midfield. We have players in mind.”
Boro are boosted by the return of Clayton for tomorrow’s Championship showdown against Huddersfield, with the 26-year-old ready to lock horns with his former side.
Karanka said it was Clayton’s performance for Huddersfield against Boro last season that convinced the club to push ahead with a summer deal.
“I could sense his character,” Karanka admitted.
“He is a player, a leader, everything on the pitch. Now he is doing really well for me - he has improved the team really well and with him on the pitch we are very comfortable.
“When I sign players I try to sign the best we can. At this moment a lot of those could play in the Premier League.”
Karanka also confirmed ex-Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida has been training with the club, but the Spaniard will not be offered a contract.
Bradley Halliday has extended his loan spell at York City until the end of the season.
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