CHRIS WILDER has revealed he is targeting a new left-sided centre-half this summer – after admitting he does not regard Marc Bola as a long-term option for the role.

Bola played as the left of Boro’s three centre-halves in the second half of Saturday’s pre-season friendly win at Bishop Auckland, with youngster Bryant Bilongo having filled the role in the opening 45 minutes.

Paddy McNair generally lined up as the left of the Teessiders’ three centre-halves last season, but the Northern Irishman is more naturally right-footed and is set to compete with Anfernee Dijksteel for the right-hand side centre-half spot next term.

Dael Fry and new signing Darragh Lenihan are available for the central defensive spot, but Boro are short of naturally left-footed options in the current centre-half mix.

Wilder does not view Bola as a realistic option in the back three – the full-back will compete with new signing Ryan Giles for the left wing-back spot – which means he is actively targeting left-footed centre-half options as he continues to look to strengthen his squad.

“It was mainly numbers why he (Bola) played there (at Bishop Auckland),” said Wilder, who has made three signings so far this summer. “Obviously, that’s an area we need to bring a player or two in for.

“The club know my stance on round pegs in round holes, and so left-sided centre-half is still a position that we need to fill.

“Marc played there (at the weekend) and got 45 minutes under his belt. We need competition for places, and he’s contracted to the football club so he’ll be battling it out with Ryan Giles for a spot at left wing-back.

“We understand that he can do that job at left-sided centre-back for us if needs be, but ideally it’s an area in the squad we need to improve and bring quality into that position.”

As well as looking to recruit a new left-sided defender, Wilder is also targeting a new goalkeeper and at least two centre-forwards during the remainder of the transfer window.

Boro’s recruitment team have held talks with Manchester City goalkeeper Zac Steffen, who is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium after City signed Stefan Ortega on a three-year deal, and striker David McGoldrick, who is a free agent following his release from Sheffield United.