JONATHAN WOODGATE is closing in on a deal for West Ham winger Marcus Browne as he waits to hear some positive news from the Middlesbrough recruitment team after Martin Braithwaite’s proposed move to Leganes was confirmed.

Boro are short of players following a summer where there has been plenty of departures but only one incoming deal so far - and they have also announced youngster Bilal Brahimi has joined Reims.

Braithwaite has signed a four-year deal with Leganes in a deal that is believed to be worth around the £5m mark, which is less than the £9m paid to Toulouse for him two years ago.

He follows on from Aden Flint’s exit to Cardiff City last week when Middlesbrough agreed to sell the towering centre-back for £4m, although that could rise.

Bearing in mind that Stewart Downing and John Obi Mikel had already left at the end of their contracts, it is clear Middlesbrough are in need of outfield reinforcements – and Woodgate knows that.

Middlesbrough are in talks with a number of clubs and are looking at loan deals from Premier League clubs as Woodgate looks to improve the squad he has inherited.

And it has emerged Hammers wide-man Browne is believed to be due on Teesside to complete a permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium. 

He spent last season on loan at Oxford from West Ham and scored nine goals to alert Boro. 

The only addition that has been made since he took over was re-signing goalkeeper Tomas Mejias, who is likely to be cover for first choice Darren Randolph. Youngster Aynsley Pears performed well after being selected ahead of Mejias at Salford on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough only had 12 first team players at Salford and, including the likes of Marvin Johnson and Rudy Gestede who many felt could leave, Woodgate only has 15 players with regular first team experience to call on.

That is why the new head coach is hoping for some progress on the transfer front with the opening game of the season at Luton Town on the horizon on Friday, August 2.

Former Chelsea defender Todd Kane, a right-back who can play wing-back, has been mentioned in recent days and that is an area where Middlesbrough have used midfielder Jonny Howson so far in pre-season.

Woodgate rates the players at his disposal highly, and in particular fancies a number of the young talents who have come through the ranks like left-back Hayden Coulson.

But he knows fresh faces are required too, so is waiting to hear whether Braithwaite’s departure has boosted Middlesbrough’s own recruitment plans having indicated this week that he had told Neil Bausor and Adrian Bevington who he wanted.

There is no sense of panic at this stage and Braithwaite’s move – even if the head coach felt he could score goals on Teesside this season – should help.

The Denmark international’s return to Spanish club Leganes was confirmed late on Wednesday night.

French striker Brahimi, meanwhile, turned down the offer of a new contract in favour of a return to his homeland.

The Paris-born teenager, who made his first team debut against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup last season, explained: “I want to thank Middlesbrough. I’ve enjoyed my time here and I leave because it’s the best choice for my future.

“Middlesbrough made me an offer but there is a club in France which is near my home and family, and it’s easier for me to play there.”

The player spent almost two years at Middlesbrough’s academy and compensation will be received to reflect that.