Since former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka took over at Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough, their fortunes have turned around and they find themselves well within the promotion mix.

Since the Spaniard's arrival, the playing squad has been overhauled with a number of players being moved out while he has brought in some top quality players in their place.

Karanka, a former assistant of Jose Mourinho, has a squad that looks perfectly capable of mounting a promotion push with replacements in every position.

Boro currently sit second in the Championship with only unbeaten Brighton bettering their points tally of 39 and they will be hoping that, come May, they will be in the top two after suffering play-off disappointment last season.

While there squad is full of talented players, some players may find themselves leaving in January and Teessiders will undoubtedly be preparing themselves for some departures.

Here are FIVE players Middlesbrough fans need to say bye to in January.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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Rhys Williams

The Australian utility man was once a much sought after prospect in the Championship, but injuries look to have ruined what looked like a promising career.

His injury hell has been a recurring problem since he ruptured his Achilles tendon in January 2013 and he will hope to make a return in the new year.

However, it may be time to cash in on the former club captain as he is unlikely to be the player that he once was following a number of serious injuries.

Jack Stephens

The Southampton loanee looks likely to be recalled from his loan spell in January after playing just five games for Boro since his summer move, four of those coming in the Capital One Cup.

Capable of playing at centre-back and defensive midfield, he has a number of quality players in front of him and he has been unable to force his way into Aitor Karanka's first-team.

With his return to the South Coast expected to be imminent as soon as the January transfer window opens, Boro fans should be prepared from Stephens' departure following a rather uneventful spell.

Kike

There was much excitement around Kike's arrival last summer after he completed move from Spanish second division side Murcia, and his name is met with chants whenever he plays.

However, despite a relatively successful goal scoring record of 15 in 68 games, fans often criticise his selection due to his lack of a clinical edge.

With David Nugent and Cristhian Stuani currently on the books, and rumours suggesting that Karanka is on the lookout for another forward in January, Boro fans should prepare for Kike's departure in the window.

Yanic Wildschut

The Dutch winger has been impressing on loan at League One side Wigan Athletic and with his contract expiring in the summer, Wildschut could be on the way out in January.

Although his forward play has been impressive at times, he doesn't have the defensive discipline to be able to hold down a regular starting spot under Aitor Karanka.

Boro may see January as the opportunity to recoup some of the £500,000 they paid for the 24-year-old last summer.

Mustapha Carayol

Another winger that is currently out on loan, the Gambian winger has always struggled for games under Aitor Karanka due to his lack of work rate defensively.

The 27-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Championship side Huddersfield Town and despite calls from fans to recall Carayol and install into the first-team, he looks likely to leave the club permanently.

Boro fans should prepare for the former Bristol Rovers' players departure and it may well happen in January with Aitor Karanka said to be looking to bolster his squad.

Middlesbrough fans...Do you agree? Who do you think you may be saying bye to in January? Let us know what you think in the comments below!