Middlesbrough are competing with three Championship clubs for the signing of Jordan James from Rennes.

So far, Kim Hellberg’s team has had a very profitable summer as they attempt to bolster their squad in preparation for what they hope would be a promotion challenge.

Despite the fact that they have added true quality to the squad, Borough are still looking for more, and it has been reported that they are one of the clubs interested in signing James.

The 22-year-old was crowned Championship Young Player of the Year for his achievements for Leicester City last season, when he scored 11 goals from midfield in 34 games.

Jordan James’ 25/26 Championship Statistics (Source: Sofascore)

Appearances

34

Goals

11 assists 4

Shots per Game

1.3

Touches per Game

34.7

Big Opportunities Created

4

Distance Covered per Game

11.6 km

Top Speed

34.5 km/h

So he would be a statement signing for any club at this level, and Borough are looking to sign the Welsh international, despite competition from relegated Wolves, West Ham, and Burnley.

And, according to an update supplied by Teesside Live, Borough may struggle to compete with those clubs in terms of player wages.

With Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter already at the club, one could argue that Borough have one of the best midfield pairings.

However, as they discovered last season when Hayden Hackney was out due to injury, you need depth to last the distance in the Championship.

Middlesbrough’s recruitment team may be considering alternative players if James is not available. Here are two potential targets.

Josh Mulligan

The Hibs midfielder has been a standout at Easter Road since joining from Dundee, and it would not be surprising if he moved on during this transfer window.

West Ham, Wolves, and Genoa have all been connected with the player, but no firm offers have been made for the 23-year-old, who might thrive under Hellberg’s system.

Mulligan is a tenacious runner who would bring passion and drive to the midfield, which is precisely what the Borough manager wants, making him a great fit for the Championship side’s high-pressing style.

Mulligan has elements of his game that can be improved, but you would expect Hellberg to do so, as he has demonstrated with the majority of the Middlesbrough team that he can develop footballers’ technical and tactical abilities.

So Mulligan is a guy who Borough could develop into a superb all-round midfielder, and he would be able to make an immediate impact as they strive to reach the Premier League.

Reo Hatate

Staying in Scotland, Middlesbrough should investigate Celtic’s Reo Hatate.

The Japanese international was crucial to Celtic’s domination under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, and it appeared just a matter of time until he was sold to a top-five league for a high price.

But, for whatever reason, it did not happen, and the last 18 months have been terrible for Hatate and Celtic, so his stock is low right now.

Nonetheless, as previously stated, Hellberg could be the coach he needs to rediscover his passion for the game, and a change of clubs could rekindle his career.

If Borough can sign Hatate, who starred for Celtic in the first few years after his arrival in 2022, he will be an excellent addition. He has energy, scores goals, and can open up the opposition with a pass, so it may be a risk worth buying given his low asking price.

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