The January transfer window is a week old already and there's already been plenty of activity.

Plenty of clubs in the Championship have already made moves to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season - something which seems to be having a knock-on effect on the rest of the division.

Middlesbrough have already been one of the most active after signing Patrick Roberts and Lukas Nmecha on loan from Manchester City.

There could be more coming through the doors at the Riverside Stadium, but likewise, we're expecting some to be heading the other way.

Here are three deals that would make it the perfect January transfer window for Middlesbrough.

While Middlesbrough's defence has been fairly solid in recent weeks it's still far too thin to last the duration of the season.

With Ryan Shotton and George Friend long-term absentees, it has meant the likes of Jonny Howson and Paddy McNair have been forced to play in the backline in order to covers the gaps that have been exposed due to injury.

The duo have done a wonderful job, but signing a versatile defender who can play at centre back and right back would free Howson and McNair to return to their natural midfield position.

The signings of Patrick Roberts and Lukas Nmecha were excellent pieces of early transfer business, but there's still more to be done.

Unless someone leaves the club it seems that Middlesbrough are suitably equipped with strikers, however they would certainly benefit with another pacy winger.

Marcus Tavernier and Patrick Roberts both fit the mould of an advanced midfielder, but the addition of an out-and-out winger would really ensure that the club are equipped to take the game to any team.

It's not necessarily transfer business, but I'm sure it's top of the list for most Middlesbrough fans.

Assuming that the Teessiders can get through January without receiving an offer for the pair, the focus for Jonathan Woodgate must be on getting Ayala and Howson to sign new contracts.

Both players have been pivotal for Middlesbrough this term and the prospect of losing either one at the end of their contracts is hugely scary.

If they can get the pair to agree new contracts then I'm sure many supporters will see this as a hugely successful transfer window.