Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town are just two of the teams hoping to leave the Championship behind next season, as they are presently locked in a thrilling promotion chase at the top of the league.

While the Tractor Boys were heavily favored to mount a first-time promotion bid back to the top flight under Kieran McKenna following their relegation from the Premier League, the Reds have given themselves a strong chance of ending an exile that has lasted since May 2017 as Kim Hellberg has built on the strong start made by his predecessor, Rob Edwards, who controversially departed five months ago.

Although both teams are well-placed in the Championship’s top six, their chances of automatic promotion were hampered in midweek.

Town were unable to add to Millwall’s pressure on Boro when they were dramatically denied a comeback victory against Stoke City on Tuesday night, thanks to Milan Smit’s stoppage-time penalty in the 3-3 draw, while Hellberg’s side have now gone three home matches without a win after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic 24 hours later.

It has been well documented that promotion to the Premier League may radically alter any club’s transfer intentions due to the division’s appeal and the financial opportunities available.

Both clubs were clearly bent on flexing their financial capabilities in January to gain a competitive advantage. However, they were unable to secure the services of a highly regarded Tottenham Hotspur player, who remains in the second tier for the time being.

Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town expressed interest in Oxford United loan ace. Will Lankshear snubbed

Oxford United has had a rough second season in the Championship, but three consecutive wins over West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End, and Blackburn Rovers have given Matt Bloomfield’s side a chance of survival.

Will Lankshear’s form on loan from the North London club has been a major factor in his likely departure, with the forward scoring eight goals in 35 league games for the Yellows so far, including two in his past three.

Following an uninspiring 11-game stint with the Baggies last season, clubs are becoming more aware of the 20-year-old’s potential.

Football League World exclusively revealed earlier this week that Middlesbrough and Wrexham are looking to sign the England youth international when the transfer window reopens in June.

Since then, Football Insider has confirmed the Teesside club’s interest, claiming that both they and Ipswich had offers to sign the forward turned down because he chose to stay at the Kassam Stadium.

Boro reportedly lined up an initial loan deal that could have been converted into a permanent contract with a £15 million option to buy, but Spurs decided the best move for his personal development was to stay in Oxfordshire.

Will Lankshear could have become Middlesbrough’s joint-record signing amid failed January swoop

Despite their high position in the table, Middlesbrough’s current strikers – Tommy Conway, David Strelec, and Kaly Sene – have all faced criticism at various stages this season.

Adding Lankshear to those ranks would have provided Hellberg a new dimension while also providing the striker with experience playing in a high-pressure environment for reasons unrelated to his current situation at Oxford.

It remains to be seen whether the club will pursue his services over the summer, depending on the circumstances. However, if the North East club had signed the aforementioned loan with an option to buy, the £15 million would have equalled Boro’s club record purchase.

That occurred in the summer of 2017, when Britt Assombalonga joined from Nottingham Forest, just after the club was demoted from the Premier League.