A loan deal for Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Matt Clarke would have been more affordable for Stoke City than striking a permanent deal, according to a report from Teesside Live.

The Potters have been operating within a reasonably strict budget once again this summer as they look to comply with the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules and have only spent money on one incoming senior player during this window so far.

This transfer fee was forked out for Leeds United's Liam McCarron, who didn't exactly manage to become a first-team regular during his time at Elland Road before making this switch to Staffordshire.

They have managed to cut costs by recruiting five loanees during this window - the maximum number allowed in a matchday squad at any time - though Michael O'Neill could strike more temporary deals between now and the end of the transfer window if they wish.

In the long term though, he may have needed to leave one loan player out of his matchday squad if he had decided to pursue a temporary move for Clarke, potentially creating disharmony within the squad.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have struck a permanent agreement with the Seagulls for his services and with this, they are now set to recruit the 25-year-old.

The Verdict:

Considering the options O'Neill will have at his disposal when everyone is fit and available, with Phil Jagielka, Harry Souttar and Aden Flint likely to be three of the first names on the teamsheet, there are no guarantees he would have been a starter at the bet365 Stadium.

For Boro though, he's the left centre-back they have probably needed for a while to provide a bit of balance in their backline, so there's a good chance he will get plenty of playing minutes at the Riverside.

Neither side are in the best state at this stage - but you just feel Boro are Clarke and a couple more players away from being a real force in the division under a manager that has won promotion on several occasions before.

The Teesside club adapted well to Chris Wilder's methods and style of play when he first arrived at the Riverside last November - and that should give them hope for this season despite their slow start to this term.

This is why the central defender is likely to benefit from this move and it will be interesting to see whether he can thrive and be an integral part of a potential promotion push.