Transfer talks planned as Middlesbrough fans and talkSPORT pundit agree on first summer signing

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Middlesbrough have been told who they should make their first summer signing, but the club are already ahead of the game.

It is expected to be a summer of change at the Riverside Stadium on both the incoming and outgoing fronts.

After beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on Friday, Middlesbrough have moved up to seventh and are within three points of the play-offs.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
5	Bristol CityBristol City	43	17	16	10	56	46	10	67
6	CoventryCoventry	43	19	9	15	61	54	7	66
7	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	43	18	9	16	63	52	11	63
8	West BromWest Brom	43	14	18	11	51	41	10	60
9	MillwallMillwall	43	16	12	15	42	45	-3	60

However, should Boro fail to win promotion in 2024/25, some big names are expected to depart over the summer.

Hayden Hackney is likely to leave Middlesbrough if they are not playing in the Premier League next term.

Rav van den Berg has transfer interest from Germany as well, and he is another name potentially set for an exit.

On a more positive note, however, there could be one arrival in the North East that should please fans.

• READ MORE: Michael Carrick contradicts Middlesbrough fan’s view with honest Plymouth Argyle verdict

Middlesbrough told to sign Mark Travers

While Middlesbrough’s January recruitment was not great, Mark Travers has been a shining light.

The Teessiders had problems between the sticks in the first half of 2024/25, but the Bournemouth loanee has proven himself to be a top signing.

Travers was once again superb on Good Friday in the victory over Plymouth, and he’s now earned praise from one talkSPORT pundit.

One Middlesbrough fan suggested that ‘If he’s available, Mark Travers HAS to be the first signing of the summer.’

To which talkSPORT pundit Phil Spencer responded: “Without a doubt. He’s certainly settled that Dieng vs Brynn debate.”

• READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit makes damning West Brom claim amid Coventry, Bristol City and Middlesbrough praise

Middlesbrough already plan talks with Travers

Boro fans will therefore be no doubt glad to learn that talks with Travers are, in fact, already planned.

We spoke to our resident transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, about the shot-stopper earlier this week.

And he told us the North East club are considering a permanent transfer for Travers and will have talks.

He said: “Boro are considering making Travers’ move permanent, they will have talks.

“He has done very well, but with Sol Brynn coming back, it remains to be seen if it is warranted.”

A move for Travers would likely mean Dieng and perhaps Tom Glover become surplus to requirements.