AITOR KARANKA will bide his time before making a further loan addition after opting against extending Milos Veljkovic’s time at Middlesbrough.

Veljkovic has played his last game for Boro after a three-month stint and has returned to Tottenham because his short-term deal does not include this Saturday’s visit of Huddersfield.

The Serbian’s departure means Middlesbrough – who also allowed Jamal Blackman to head back for Chelsea earlier this month - can have another domestic loan to call on in the match-day squad.

But the arrival of Tomas Kalas, who can operate at right-back or centrally, does not mean there is an urgency to bring in a different defender following Rhys Williams’ latest injury set-back.

Karanka would still like to have an alternative option in midfield given how Veljkovic has provided cover for Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton and Dean Whitehead in midfield.

The Middlesbrough head coach, though, knows he can still strengthen through the loan market seven days after the transfer window closes on February 2.

Karanka decided against retaining the services of Veljkovic, even though the versatile Spurs youngster had performed solidly without being excellent whenever he was called upon.

The 19-year-old only played four times and only one of those – at Blackburn on December 28 –was as a starter. He was also used as a second half substitute against Millwall, Ipswich and Barnsley in the FA Cup. He was unused at Reading on Saturday.

Karanka said: “I’d like to thank Milos for his efforts while he was here and wish him all the best for the future. I’d also like to thank Tottenham for allowing him to come here for three months.”

Kalas’ debut performance at right-back at Reading on Saturday was encouraging following his arrival from Chelsea. Ryan Fredericks’ return to fitness also means that Whitehead can be considered once more as a centre-midfielder rather than as full-back cover.

Combined, that means Veljkovic, who never turned in displays to warrant a starting spot week in and week out, was allowed to head back to White Hart Lane.

Middlesbrough still have Fredericks on loan from Spurs, while Kalas, Kenneth Omeruo and Patrick Bamford are at the Riverside until the end of the season from Chelsea. FA rules state that Football League clubs are allowed to have five domestic loans to call on in a match-day squad of 18.

Karanka is satisfied with the players he has in his ranks going in to back-to-back home dates with Huddersfield and Cardiff before the exciting trip to Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup.

But the Spaniard and his recruitment team are keeping an eye on what is available during this month’s transfer window.

Sources in Lancashire suggest that Boro have been represented regularly at Preston matches to run the rule over teenage midfielder Alan Browne. Such a player, however, would be seen more for the future rather than to help Middlesbrough in to the Premier League.