Spending millions in the summer in his attempt to put together a squad capable of running away with the title, it is safe to say things haven’t exactly gone to plan for manager, Garry Monk.

Languishing in mid-table outside of the playoffs, Monk’s side are a long way back from league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the former Leeds boss is facing increasing pressure to deliver an upturn in results.

Talent was acquired from across Europe during the off season, but Monk has failed to unite his squad in the way Nuno Santo has at Wolves, and the next couple of months will serve to define the former Swansea man’s future at the club.

January could be the most important month of his managerial career so far, and his activity in the transfer window will play a significant role in the direction of his side’s season.

Players will come and go, and these two players are at particular risk of being given the boot in the new year…

Ryan Shotton

In hindsight, this seems the most ridiculous transfer of the summer.

Boro waited weeks for Birmingham City to secure a replacement for Shotton, despite Monk agreeing terms with both the Blues and the player.

The 29-year-old finally made his move in the closing stages of the window, but but has made just one league appearances so far this season.

Shotton was a regular at St Andrew’s, and will certainly regret forcing through a move to the north east.

The defender has been ousted from the team by the emergence of young Dael Fry, with Ben Gibson and Daniel Ayala also harbouring no risk of being removed from the starting XI.

Shotton’s future at the club is up in the air, and he could be on the move once again in the new year.

George Friend

Friend has been at the club since 2012, but with Brazilian Fabio a long way ahead of him in terms of ability and performance, the future of the 30-year-old is certainly up in the air.

Friend could look to move in the new year in his attempt to secure regular first team action, with clubs across the division sure to express interest in the experienced defender.

Friend still has a lot to offer, and Monk may be keen to maintain his status at the club to provide cover for Fabio, but whether Friend is willing to accept he is nothing more than a back-up remains to be seen.

Approaching the second half of his career, it could be time for the player to finally part ways with the club he has served for five long years.

Boro fans, would you keep the pair in the new year? Have your say below...