TEAMtalk has learnt that Middlesbrough need to sell in January if they want to bolster their squad, even with loan signings, due to Financial Fair Play worries.
Boro’s current budget has left them perilously close to breaking FFP rules, which they are adamant they will not do.
A huge chunk of Boro’s big earners are out-of-contract in the summer, but this January if they want to bolster their relegation threatened squad – they need to sell.
And we understand the first player on his way out is set to be number one Darren Randolph, who is one of the club’s largest earners, and his former club West Ham United are looking to take him back to the London Stadium.
West Ham have already had talks with Boro, with a view to taking the player in January and the Teessiders are ready to let him move on in order to bring in other players.
The Hammers lost Łukasz Fabianski to injury early in the season and turned to Roberto, who has endured a torrid time before being relegated back to the bench.
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Manuel Pellegrini then turned to third-choice David Martin, who has played the last two games, but he is looking for another keeper and has considered Stoke’s Jack Butland, according to some outlets.
A deal for Randolph though is more likely, while the likes of Dani Ayala, Dael Fry, Paddy McNair and Britt Assombalonga have also been linked with moves, but it is thought Boro would, ideally, not look to let more than one player leave.