The 2026-27 Championship season is quickly approaching, and the clubs that missed out on promotion to the Premier League are attempting to strengthen their positions in order to fight with the three that have been relegated.

Wolves, West Ham, and Burnley all have a huge advantage over their competitors because to parachute payments, while Southampton will receive their second and last year of extra money – despite a four-point loss owing to the Spygate affair.

Middlesbrough and Norwich City will be among the clubs without further financial assistance seeking to challenge those teams for automatic promotion.

Borough missed out under head coach Kim Hellberg after being given a play-off final spot due to Southampton’s misdeeds despite losing to the Saints over two legs in the semi-final, before losing to Hull City at Wembley, while Norwich fell eight points short of the top six despite being the league’s third-best team in the final 20 matches of the season, winning 41 points in that time.

However, with the new season about to begin, Borough and City appear to be vying for a joint transfer target from mainland Europe.

Middlesbrough and Norwich City are in a transfer battle for Balthazar Pierret.

According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, French midfielder Balthazar Pierret, who now plays for Red Star FC in Ligue 2, is desired by both Middlesbrough and Norwich.

Pierret has only been back in his home nation since the January transfer window, when he moved from Serie A club Lecce, and he appeared 14 times in the middle of the park for Red Star in the second tier of French football since his arrival, providing one assist.

Borough reportedly made the first approach for the 26-year-old, asking €300,000 (£255,000) with a 10% sell-on clause, which was flatly refused by the Paris-based club.

Norwich are also interested, with head coach Philippe Clement reportedly actively attempting to bring Pierret to Carrow Road to bolster his own midfield unit, and with Red Star reportedly valuing their player at €500,000 (£425,000), a deal appears to be on the table for whichever club wants to sign him.

Balthazar Pierret is an intriguing possible bargain for the championship.

Pierret ranked high in tackles and duels won upon his move to Red Star, implying that both Championship clubs are considering him as a defensive midfield player.

Middlesbrough clearly need new midfielders after not only Hayden Hackney was sold to Everton, but Alan Browne returned to Sunderland after his loan expired – the signing of a defensive-minded midfielder like Pierret could be viewed as a backup to Aidan Morris, or it could allow the American to advance further if a deal is completed.

Pierret’s eligibility for a GBE work permit or an ESC berth may be called into doubt, however, given that the criteria on players over the age of 23 have tightened, and his three Serie A appearances prior to his return to France may not be sufficient to obtain a work permit.

If he passes, Pierret could be a steal at under £500,000, albeit his statistical data suggests he won’t be dazzling.