Middlesbrough have had a strong season this year especially since the arrival of Chris Wilder halfway through the season.

Unfortunately for them, the play-offs were just a step out of reach during this campaign as they finished the season five points off the top six after losing to Preston North End on the final day of the season.

Nevertheless, Wilder now has foundations in place at Boro and will have a clue about where his team is in comparison to other sides in the league as he prepares for the summer transfer window.

Although there are some good players in the side already, Wilder will be keen to make some additions to hs squad this summer to ensure they can compete higher next season and with the departure of some loan players too, the Boro boss will have some gaps to fill.

With that in mind, here we take a look at eight Premier League players that Middlesbrough may want to consider bringing in on loan for the season in the hope of pushing up for promotion to the Premier League.

Folarin Balogun is another player who's already been on loan with Middlesbrough this season.

Since joining the club from Arsenal he's had a brilliant impact scoring three times and assisting three times in 18 appearances so far.

Wilder already knows the player and enjoys working with him as well as being aware of what he brings to his side and therefore this would be a safe but successful option for him to go for.

It's unlikely we would see him called up to the first team at Arsenal as they will be keen to get top four and therefore will look for players with more experience under their belt.

Elliot Anderson joined Bristol Rovers on loan from Newcastle United at the end of January and has done a remarkable job since joining.

In 21 appearances for Rovers, the 19-year-old scored eight goals and provided five assists having a big part to play in his side's promotion to League One.

However, with the amount of talent and promise he has, it wouldn't be surprising to see Eddie Howe keen to get him a loan move to the Championship next season.

Anderson would be able to provide Middlesbrough with plenty of attacking flair and since it's close enough to home Howe may feel the benefit of having his player close.

Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke has gained Championship experience with Blackburn this season where he was awarded the player of the year award showing his impact at the club.

The centre-back has played 31 times and performed consistently well showing his quality at this level. There's a chance Brighton may feel it's his time to have a go in the Premier League in which case, Boro would miss out on this deal but should he need a loan move, he would fit nicely into the defensive line-up here.

Chelsea's Dujon Sterling has been on loan at Blackpool since the start of the season and the 22-year-old has been able to solidify himself a space in the side, making 24 appearances this term.

The England youth international has done well with Blackpool but he will be keen to test himself at a slightly higher level and push up at the top of the table.

He is the type of player Wilder would be able to mentor to help develop his game and the move would work well for both parties.

Middlesbrough have been linked with Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow but more is yet to emerge on that front.

Therefore, if that deal didn't go through, Newcastle's Freddie Woodman may be an alternative option.

The 25-year-old has got plenty of Championship experience under his belt in recent seasons and even played four times in the Premier League this season when his parent club were suffering from injuries and Covid.

Since Newcastle's takeover, it's unlikely he would get the number one shirt on Tyneside this season but they will no doubt be keen to see his progress continue.

20-year-old Tommy Doyle has been on loan with Cardiff City from Manchester City this season.

The midfielder has made 19 appearances, scoring twice and assisting three times in those games showing he has talent at a young age.

He will no doubt be wanting to challenge himself at a club higher in the league and Wilder would be able to work with the youngster well to improve his skills and development.

The Boro boss would know how to use this player to his advantage.

Jake Clarke-Salter has been a standout player this season at Coventry City on loan from Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has played regularly and solidified himself a spot in the team doing defensive duties.

You can't see him playing for Chelsea yet but Middlesbrough is a step up for him in terms of the standard and what will be demanded from him and would allow him to continue to develop his skills and in game experience at a higher level where he would be suited to.

Tahith Chong has done brilliantly at Birmingham since joining on loan from Manchester United.

In 20 appearances, the winger has scored a goal and assisting three times. The 22-year-old will not be starting at Manchester United next season but given Birmingham's off the pitch struggles, if Chong could get in a stable side he could develop even further.

With Middlesbrough looking to compete for promotion, this would allow Chomg to flourish as well as being able to add to Boro's attacking efforts.