MIDDLESBROUGH manager Neil Warnock hasn't ruled out the possibility of using swap deals to get his targets into the club.

While Boro have been busy in the transfer window in recent weeks, Warnock wants another four or five new players brought into the squad before their season opening game against Fulham on Sunday 8th August. 

The Boro hierarchy are willing to let certain players within the squad leave in the summer but the Boro boss is wary of how thin his squad is already heading into the pre-season schedule and is hopeful of boosting those numbers. 

Hayden Coulson has recently been linked with a move away from the club with Sunderland being named as potential suitors while it's understood that Boro are willing to listen to offers for Djed Spence and Chuba Akpom. 

“A lot would depend on the offers we get really for these players" said Warnock. 

“I’m more concerned with players. You talk about Coulson and Wingy, it’s players I want so I’m trying to do more with swapping players than I am with letting players go because we just haven’t got enough bodies at the minute.

“I think everyone knows I’m looking for strikers.

“It’s amazing what crops up later on. We’ve got a couple in the pipeline that we’d like to have, if we could agree with the clubs. We’re a little bit away from agreeing at the moment but things change.

“I’m glad I’ve got four in but you’ve seen how thin we are so it’s just a matter of being patient and trying to get the ones you want in."

Boro are seriously lacking in the striker's department with Akpom, who culd still potentially leave the club in the summer, and Uche Ikpeazu their only senior options. 

Rotherham United striker Michael Smith, former Cardiff City winger Junior Hoilett and Luton midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu have all been credited with a move to Teesside over the summer. 

While the squad prepares for a week long training camp down in Cornwall, Warnock will continue to orchestrate deals for new players. 

Speaking after the friendly win over Bishop Auckland, the Boro boss said "I’m left to my own devices really (in Cornwall). I’m on the phone like tonight.

"Believe it or not I was talking to a manager in the second half for 15 minutes."