 Chairman Steve Gibson is intent on improving the Boro squad |
Steve Gibson insists Middlesbrough are targeting four big signings before the start of the new Premiership season. And the Boro chairman has backed manager Gareth Southgate's side to finish in top six next season.
Gibson told BBC Radio Cleveland: "We're talking to players who will improve the attacking part of the team. Players with flair, pace and strength.
"I honestly think we have the chance of pulling off one or two spectacular signings that will excite the fans."
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Boro finished 12th in Southgate's first season in charge, and Gibson says the addition of new players will help him aim higher.
He added: "We feel that if we get the right players and with the current spine of the team that looking for a place in the top six or top seven is not beyond us.
"We have some big targets. Obviously, we need one striker, preferably two.
"We need somebody on the right, we would like another midfield player and we are looking hard at the right-back situation.
| It is no more difficult for us than it is for our peers to attract players |
"Gareth has his targets and we have more knowledge of players globally than we have perhaps ever had before.
"It is no more difficult for us than it is for our peers to attract players. We are on a virtually level playing field once you get outside the big-hitters."
Jonathan Woodgate's �7m capture from Real Madrid was secured before the end of last season and Boro have reached agreement with Arsenal for French striker Jeremie Aliadiere.
Boro Chief executive Keith Lamb is understood to have travelled to Turkey to meet Fenerbahce striker Tuncay Sanli, while reports in Holland are linking the Teessiders with Feyenoord frontman Romeo Castelen.
Gibson said: "We are very, very busy and we have signed Jonathan Woodgate, which isn't a bad start."
Gibson was also quick to draw a line under Mark Viduka's departure to Newcastle.
The 31-year-old Australian turned down a contract extension at the Riverside to sign a two-year deal at St James' Park, despite personal pleas from the chairman to stay.
Gibson said: "I don't think I was disappointed because we had taken the offer to the point where you take a deep intake of breath.
"I wasn't entirely happy that the offer represented value. Mark has gone, he is history to us now.
"We wish him well, we enjoyed parts of the three years he was here. It is an opportunity for further change at our club and we will take it."
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Interview: Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson