TONY PULIS endured a busy end to the January transfer window when he let three of Garry Monk’s multi-million pound summer signings leave – and brought in a couple of players of his own.

The Boro boss sealed a deal for Everton midfielder Mo Besic while he also replaced right-back Cyrus Christie, who was allowed to join Fulham for £3m, with Huddersfield defender Martin Cranie.

It was not all success for Pulis, though, who suffered disappointment in his pursuit of adding a new striker to Middlesbrough’s ranks after allowing both Martin Braithwaite and Ashley Fletcher to leave.

Braithwaite joined Bordeaux and Fletcher headed for Sunderland (subject to clearance) on loans until the end of the season, with Pulis deciding that neither player suited the style of play he wants his team to play.

But Middlesbrough still have attacking options to call on, with Britt Assombalonga, Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford all still capable of fighting for the lone striker role Pulis tends to adopt.

Fletcher had been the subject of interest from Barnsley throughout the window but Sunderland followed through tentative interest with a late move for the £6.5m man yesterday.

Braithwaite’s departure was more surprising, with the £9m former Toulouse forward keen to return back to France to enhance his World Cup prospects after finding it harder to hold down a place under Pulis.

Middlesbrough, who agreed to terminate Adlene Guedioura’s contract by mutual consent and he will join Nottingham Forest, were also keen to get Cranie in to add more defensive strength to the squad.

The 31-year-old has plenty experience of the Championship and helped Huddersfield to promotion to the Premier League last season. Christie’s departure, having been impressive at the start of the campaign, is a sign Pulis wants his defenders to be more disciplined.

The capture of Besic from Everton on loan until the end of the season means further competition for the midfielders after offloading Adam Forshaw earlier in the month.

The 25-year-old’s arrival led didn’t lead to Adam Clayton’s departure, while that pair will now compete with Grant Leadbitter and Jonny Howson for a starting spot.

Middlesbrough are looking to make inroads on the top six now that the window has closed, and they will be looking to young winger Jack Harrison to provide some exciting freshness to their play.

The 21-year-old arrived joined Middlesbrough on Tuesday from Manchester City, on the same day he left American side New York City for £4m. The England Under-21 international will be looking to build up his fitness, so he is unlikely to start at Norwich on Saturday.

Harrison said: “It seemed like a great opportunity at the time, they’re in a great position, I’m hoping to help get Middlesbrough promoted.

“I’m looking to help develop my career and I’m trying to learn new things whilst being here as well. I’m looking forward to what it is to come.

“It’s been a bit hectic travelling from Jacksonville back to New York, packing up all my stuff and then coming here, but I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’m happy to be here and grateful to be in this position.”

Harrison has played at the Riverside before having played there for England Under-21s against Scotland in October last year.

He said: “I’ve been here before with the England Under-21s so it’s nice to be back in the stadium again.

“I grew up in Bolton and I moved across to America when I was 14, I spent a couple of years in high school and college there, I’ve played for New York City the last couple of years and now made my move back here.”

Middlesbrough youngster Joao Morelli, meanwhile, has joined Fleetwood Town on a permanent deal.