Two weeks of the transfer window gone; two new faces already through the door at Rockliffe Park. Having been criticised in the past for constantly leaving things to the last minute, Middlesbrough’s recruitment team deserve considerable credit for the effectiveness of their forward planning ahead of this month’s window.

The two deals agreed so far this month are very different ones, highlighting the flexibility that clearly exists within Boro’s new-look transfer approach.

Finn Azaz only turned 23 in September, so while his debut display in Saturday’s win at Millwall confirmed his readiness for immediate Championship action after a loan spell at Plymouth, he has been signed with at least half-an-eye on his long-term development.

Luke Ayling, on the other hand, turns 33 next summer, so while there is a chance he could be offered a permanent deal to cover next season at some stage, his arrival is primarily an attempt to address a short-term defensive issue that needed solving.

The Northern Echo: Luke Ayling made his Middlesbrough debut at Millwall at the weekendLuke Ayling made his Middlesbrough debut at Millwall at the weekend (Image: PA)

The fact that Ayling’s extensive experience could also be a valuable asset as Boro push for promotion is an added bonus.

Two down, is it one to go? With Emmanuel Latte Lath and Josh Coburn both unavailable because of injury, Michael Carrick had to play without a recognised centre-forward at the weekend.

Both Latte Lath and Coburn should return at some stage in the next month, and in Morgan Rogers and Marcus Forss, and potentially even Sam Greenwood, Boro have players who could fill the ‘number nine’ role if needed.

It felt like something of a square peg in a round hole at the Den though, and Boro’s recruitment team would ideally like to bring in another forward before the end of the month.

A permanent addition feels unlikely, so a loan akin to the deal that brought Cameron Archer from Aston Villa last January would be ideal.

Twelve months on from Archer’s arrival, though, and it does not feel as though there are a host of Premier League options out there.

Like half the Championship, Boro have inquired about the availability of Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore, but as things stand, a deal for the 31-year-old feels unlikely.

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A number of options remain on the table, but much could depend on whether other deals within the Premier League create a domino effect, making players available who might currently be tied to their existing clubs.

When it comes to outgoings, you can never completely rule out a big-money offer for Hayden Hackney, although Premier League interest in the midfielder is likelier to strengthen in the summer than in January.

Would Boro sell Paddy McNair? Possibly, given that he only has six months of his current contract remaining and is extremely unlikely to be offered a new deal on his existing terms.