Middlesbrough transfer fears over 20-goal target make so much sense, he once made bold Wayne Rooney claim

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Middlesbrough have big ambitions ahead of the new season, but with one of their transfer targets hoping to reach Wayne Rooney’s levels, it looks like they’ll need to find alternatives.

With Rob Edwards now at the helm, the 2025/26 campaign can be a fresh start for Middlesbrough. But, there will still be a great degree of expectation on the new manager to deliver with this squad.

Boro have come close to promotion in recent years but have always fallen short. Bringing in new players will be key to helping Edwards solve that issue, but that’s easier said than done.

One area the Teessiders need to improve in is up top, with an out-and-out striker very much a necessity. But, try as they might, Pavel Sulc is unlikely to join Middlesbrough.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough plotting move for ‘top-class’ Championship talent as £2m price tag mooted

Pavel Sulc is inspired by Wayne Rooney

Speaking via BBC Sport back in December ahead of Viktoria Plzen’s clash with Manchester United, Sulc outlined his ambitions and inspirations in the game by citing Wayne Rooney as his idol.

Sulc said: “I used to watch [Man United] a lot when I was younger. I used to really admire Wayne Rooney.

“I admire Wayne’s style, and he always tries to put his all in the match. I kind of try to channel his energy too, so that’s my inspiration.

“As for other players, of course I respect them. It’s impossible not to respect them. But right now, I focus on my people, on myself.”

The 24-year-old was on fire for Plzen last season, bagging 20 goals and adding 15 assists in 54 matches. That includes four goals and five assists in the Europa League.

Sulc, a full Czech international for the past year, can play as a direct forward or a more deep-lying playmaker just behind the front line; much like Rooney in his heyday.

It is thought that Sulc will end up securing a move to a top flight club, be it in England or across Europe, instead of dropping to the Championship this summer.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough set sights on Chelsea youngster, previously failed Boro boss thinks he’s ‘superb’

Middlesbrough’s capture of Danny Ings is a short-term solution

Middlesbrough may not end up signing Sulc, but they are closing in on the capture of Danny Ings, which would be a very shrewd signing indeed.

The experienced striker has not been at his best in the Premier League over the last five seasons, with injury limiting Ings to single-figure returns in front of goal.

However, he’s still a talented forward and if he can stay fit, he will surely thrive in the second tier. Ings has 27 goals in three seasons in the Championship from his time with Burnley, and there’s no reason he can’t replicate that kind of output now.

However, at the age of 32, there is only so much more Ings can offer, and Boro will need to think longer-term. It’s thought Boro may also look at Rhian Brewster as further reinforcement for Rob Edwards’ attack, which would make sense given his age profile, even if his goalscoring record leaves much to be desired.