Chris Wilder has said he will be put Middlesbrough first when it comes to player departures in January as several players attract interest.
The winter window is looming which inevitably means young and fringe players will start to generate enquiries within Chris Wilder's side.
While Wilder appreciates some will benefit from regular minutes elsewhere, he's adamant in saying he won't risk leaving his side short on numbers with quite a few injuries to contend with as well.
Wilder told The Gazette: "We’re in a little bit of a difficult situation at the moment because, numbers wise, we have to be careful that we don’t leave ourselves light.
“The main priority is the first-team and making sure that we are not left short.
"My main priority is making sure that we are as strong as possible. It’s not up to me to give players what they want.
“They might want to go out on loan. Well, it’s not their decision. It’s my decision and it will be our decision where that player goes as well."
Wilder is speaking after Hartlepool boss Graeme Lee admitted that he'd already been in touch with Boro about some of the under-23 squad arriving on loan, but Wilder was quick to quash that discussion: "We’re not a feeder club for Hartlepool.
“He’ll have to go through the correct process. There will be other clubs in for the players as they have been always."
Lee was manager of Middlesbrough's under-23 team from 2019 until the start of December when he departed for Victoria Park to become the League Two side's new manager.
The Verdict
The main priority for Boro this January is adding to their ranks. They lack depth in certain areas while having plenty in others.
Wilder has spoken at length already about this not being 'his side' and will work tirelessly to add his type of player to the team.
The former Sheffield United boss needs to find a good balance in his side as they currently lack depth in creative positions and upfront.
A forward and a playmaker must be high on the list and that may mean more than just fringe players leaving if Boro are to add the quality they need to push them up the table.