JONATHAN WOODGATE thinks Middlesbrough are already in desperate need of reinforcements after just one enthralling game under the new boss, even though he confirmed there is likely to be departures this week.

The Boro head coach, whose side opened the new campaign with a 3-3 draw at Luton Town on Friday night, is looking for the club’s recruitment team to boost his options with the acquisition of more players in the coming days.

Time is running out before the transfer window closes on Thursday at 5pm, but Middlesbrough are believed to have made a third offer for Charlton’s £2m-rated full-back Anfernee Dijksteel, while free agent Alan Hutton has been discussed.

But Woodgate is also wanting improvements in other areas, including an attacking midfielder. He has not added an extra striker to his ranks so far either, although as things stand he does have plenty options in that area.

“I don't want to put a number on it but I want a few in,” said Woodgate. “I think we're really thin. The Championship is relentless, as you’ve seen from that game on Friday.

“God knows how far both teams ran that night. You need to keep it fresh. Hopefully we get a few in. Whatever position, we need different positions that will help the team going forward.”

Middlesbrough are expected to offload players if the right offers come along this week, but Woodgate wasn’t in the mood to suggest who is available.

“Not at the minute, maybe, we'll have to see, it depends what comes in and if it's the right deal for me and the football club,” said Woodgate.

But he did confirm that there will be younger players leaving on loan if he feels that it could take them time to break into his own side.

“I don't want to put any names on it yet but a few of the lads will go on loan,” said Woodgate. “They need to do that, they need to grow as people, they need to sample what it's like in this league or League One or League Two.

“Under-23 football at times is nothing like what you've seen out there, nothing like it. It's important our younger players go out and learn their trade and they'll only come back better for this football club.”