Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has revealed he wants 'four or five' new players to arrive at the Riverside Stadium before their Championship opener against Fulham in an interview with the Northern Echo.

Warnock has already made moves in this summer's transfer window, securing Sammy Ameobi, Lee Peltier, Uche Ikpeazu in the last week, with the latter two coming in on free transfers and Ikpeazu coming in from recently relegated side Wycombe Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

The 72-year-old has also added Joe Lumley to his Boro squad as he looks to revamp the club's goalkeeping department and is likely to add another stopper - but he doesn't want to stop there.

With Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Marvin Johnson both leaving the Teesside outfit in the summer, Boro may want to secure another winger after signing Ameobi to fill the void left by the duo.

The same applies to the striking department, with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher also being released by the club in May and Ikpeazu the only forward to come in thus far.

But Warnock's attention may soon turn to the other end of the pitch, with The Sun reporting Burnley's continued interest in centre-back Dael Fry.

And despite the manager saying even a £10m offer wouldn't secure the 23-year-old back in April, Middlesbrough may have to draw up a list of potential replacements if they receive an offer that's too good to refuse.

Speaking more about incomings though, the 72-year-old said: "There’s been all sorts happening.

"Although I’ve been at home we’ve worked really hard behind the scenes to get players in.

"I know the fans are always looking for star signings but I just look at what we’ve got.

"The financial situation at the club, you can’t expect us to splash all the money everywhere so we’ve got to get value for money.

And later went on to add: "I'm hoping to get at least four or five (new players), definitely four before the season starts."

The Verdict:

With Middlesbrough not facing the sort of financial restrictions many other Championship sides are right now, they have a real chance to push for the top six if Warnock can nail the rest of his summer business within EFL limits.

The 72-year-old may not be liked by many for his antics and flamboyant personally, and Warnock knows that, but several second-tier clubs are staring at Middlesbrough with envy because they know of his promotion pedigree and how he can get the very best out of his teams.

A goalkeeper, striker and a winger may be at the top of his wish list - but with the number of players he's bringing in - the Middlesbrough board just need to ensure their wage bill doesn't become too high.

Luckily for Boro fans, the club seems to be run very well and with this, they should be excited for the season ahead.