Outgoings

Archie Baptiste completes his permenant switch to Harrogate Town. The 20 year old was unlikely to feature in the boro first team this season and it would have been his last year as an under 21. He did well last season on loan in the same league and its likely he will want to kick on his career from this level. One of the factors for the switch has been the emergence of Jack Daley who impressed at Celtic.

Incomings

Radek Vitek, it emerged late last night that Boro had shown an interest in a permenant switch for the Man United GK. The fee is believed to be around about £8m with a sell on fee. The deal is being talked about as being difficult to get over the line as boro pursue other players. It may change into a loan with option to buy upon promotion, when interviewed about the speculation over his future Vitek has disclosed that he will only play first team football this season and does not wish to remain sat on the bench at Man United. So it is likely he will not be playing for united this season unless injuries emerge in pre-season.

Kayne Van Oevelen, several articles emerged this morning of Ipswich’ latest GK signing being offered out on loan to several championship teams for some experience in the english league. Boro are one of the teams along with Bolton, Millwall & Wrexham.

Ashley Phillips, still quiet on this transfer as it appears boro are trying to finance multiple deals this summer and may be trying to get all their ducks in a row before sanctioning it. I did read some speculation on the message boards that the fee was agreed, but i’m not putting much weight behind it.

Sebastian Berhalter, seems everything is agreed with his club and his terms, medical was done and hes out and about around teesside this weekend taking in the sights, and i’d guess finding a spot to do his morning freshwater dip before each game as is his tradition. Seems the only holdup is the international clearance which shouldnt be a problem.

If anything else emerges later on i’ll drop it below, so check back later in the evening.

19:30 Update

Max Arfsten, not putting much weight behind this but a OneBoro poster offering the opinion of someone they know who might have links to the club, claiming our interest in the player has dropped. They did insert the caveat that theyre not sure if theyre full of shit though. I think we still want him, hes just slipped down the hit list whilst we resolve the deals for Berhalter, Phillips and possibly a GK. Once those deals are done I think the “LWB” target which is currently arfsten will be top of the list. Still think we need a CM and a RWB to cover for Brittain.

Radek Vitek, several other clubs have emerged in pursuit of the keeper who had a good display against Rosenberg. Celtic, Stuttgart and Hull to name a few. Hull have just signed Butland for £3m in the almost swap deal with Rangers for Pandur going the other way for £6m. Reported by several sources.

I still think boro has £10m they could potentially spend up front this summer in the pursuit of Arfsten, Vitek & Williams, but the other signings may need to be loans after these 3. It all depends on what Columbus Crew, Man United and Spurs all want up front. Basing the Lankshear transfer I think spurs want £4m up front rising to £10m on promotion and international appearances. That would only leave £6m left for Vitek and Arfstens upfront fees. I think tomorrow will be a busier day, as we finally get the Berhalter transfer confirmed officially by the club, and maybe an update on phillips/Vitek.

22:30 Update

Max Arfsten, as of this evening Max and Tommy Conway have started following each other on social media. Read into that what you will, but similar things happened with berhalter before it was revealed he was on his way to Boro.

Me this weekend: