Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan closes in on Bhoys targets
GORDON STRACHAN has moved closer to snapping up a number of his transfer targets after moving for players he trusts in his attempts to turn Middlesbrough into Championship promotion contenders.[LNB] Strachan, who had talks with Birmingham striker Marcus Bent yesterday in the hope of extending his loan stay on Teesside, has edged closer to making his first permanent signings as Boro boss.[LNB] It is looking increasingly likely that at least two of his first few signings will be from former club Celtic, with Bhoys manager Tony Mowbray happy to listen to offers for most of his squad.[LNB] That has opened the door for Strachan to make progress in his bid to strengthen his squad, with defender Gary Caldwell and midfielder Barry Robson most likely to arrive for a combined fee of around £1.5m.[LNB] Strachan also has an interest in versatile full-back Mark Wilson, but before making further additions he wants to know whether he stands any chance of landing Celtic's Scott McDonald.[LNB] We have been trying hard for months and we are getting closer, said Strachan. I am close to getting players in who will benefit this club. We are inexperienced in certain areas, short of bodies.[LNB] I know what I would like (in terms of squad numbers) but it would be unfair of me to say how many just yet. I just want to get as many good players in as I can. I don't envisage many going out.[LNB] Strachan did not want to discuss individual targets but he did confirm he was looking at players he already knows.[LNB] He added: What we have is a scouting system that has looked at a lot of foreign players in the past and I am saying I really don't think we can go for that just now unless we are spot-on and we know that it will be a good player.[LNB] It is players we know can do a job players that we all know, the coaching staff, the scouts that want to be here and will enjoy being at Middlesbrough so we know they want to be here for the club.[LNB] So there will be no European players coming in I would imagine. It will be ones we know that's for sure. Those where we know the character of the players because character is a huge thing at a football club.[LNB] The most successful I have been as a player and a manager is when I look round me and I see characters and men that I can trust so I will be looking in that direction in the January window.[LNB] Aussie McDonald is thought to be available for around £5m, but he would also be looking to earn around £25,000-a-week, which would take up a sizeable chunk of Strachan's budget.[LNB] Speaking yesterday, the ambitious 13-goal McDonald said: It's always nice when people want you, or it's reported as such. But that's all it is. I don't take much notice.[LNB] I've said all along I want to stay and it hasn't changed. Ultimately, it's up to other people to decide.[LNB] It is unlikely that Strachan will have made any new signings before Saturday's visit of Manchester City in the FA Cup, but he would hope to have made progress before Swansea arrive on January 9.[LNB] He reaffirmed his desire to keep Adam Johnson, despite his contract being up for renewal at the end of the season, with Sunderland leading the chase.[LNB] Nothing has changed. Of course I want him to stay here.[LNB] He has got ten goals this season and imagine where we would be without those, said Strachan.[LNB] Strachan's options remain severely limited and he revealed yesterday that Chris Riggott, David Wheater and Jeremie Aliadiere are all doubtful for the visit of City.[LNB]
