Middlesbrough are looking to enhance their squad after failing to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Borough had a tumultuous season on numerous fronts, with Rob Edwards leaving for Wolves after a strong start, before being knocked out of the Championship play-offs, then restored and losing to Hull City in the final.

Hayden Hackney has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Everton and Crystal Palace both interested in him.

Now, the Teesside teams’ summer transfer plans have been disclosed, detailing which positions would be targeted ahead of the new season.

Middlesbrough is pursuing multiple places, regardless of Hayden Hackney’s future.

Borough had a great season on multiple fronts, finishing fifth and reaching the play-off final, but there is a strong sense of what could have been.

Under Edwards, the Teessiders raced out of the gate and were the team to beat, and while the wheels did not come off by any means, they fell short in several areas.

Middlesbrough were defensively robust throughout the season, conceding only 47 goals, with only winners Coventry City conceding fewer, while their 72 goals scored were only surpassed by three teams.

According to the Northern Echo, the club recognises the need to improve and will try to add at least one striker, as well as one flexible forward and wide player.

According to the publication, centre midfield is a priority regardless of what happens with Hackney, however it is acknowledged that replacing him will be the most difficult task.

Borough also want to strengthen the left-back position after deciding not to pursue a permanent move for Matt Targett, and the goalkeeping department needs to be addressed, with Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng the only senior goalkeepers on the books, with the latter poised to leave.

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Which roles should Kim Hellberg and Borough prioritise?

While Morgan Whittaker and Tommy Conway both scored over ten goals, Middlesbrough should prioritise a natural goalscorer to add firepower to their roster.

David Strelec, who started the play-off final against the Tigers, had a terrible debut season at Riverside Stadium, scoring only eight goals, while Kim Hellberg’s side never looked like scoring at Wembley Stadium.

The club must also decide whether they want to trust Brynn to remain their number one next season, after his error at the home of football resulted in Oli McBurnie’s winner.

Brynn definitely has enough credit in the bank, but with the club poised to recruit at least one shot-stopper, his spot in the starting lineup could be jeopardised.

Then there’s the Hackney conundrum: it seems just a matter of time before Boro’s homegrown talent leaves, and while filling his shoes would be difficult, they’d have the funds to bring in a suitable replacement.

Challenging for promotion will be difficult given the quality of the Championship clubs next season, but Middlesbrough clearly understands what they need to do to challenge again.