Boro showed a couple of weeks ago that they do have cash to spend this summer when they made a £2m offer for Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper.
But a deal for the Championship hot-shot is far from certain, with Leeds United among the other contenders for his signature, even though Hooper has had talks with the Teessiders.
Strachan has an extensive list of players he would like to attract to the North-East, but he has told chief executive Keith Lamb that Stephen Mc- Manus is a priority.
Following the departures of defenders Emanuel Pogatetz and Chris Riggott, the need for McManus to complete a permanent switch after last season's successful loan has become more pressing. But Celtic, who have told the player his wish to join Strachan full-time can happen, are demanding a fee of around £2.5m as new boss Neil Lennon looks to raise his own funds.
With Burnley also raising the stakes for another of Middlesbrough's top targets, Hearts winger Andrew Driver, Lamb is facing a crucial period in his attempts to land the players the manager wants.
Burnley, who have money available following relegation from the Premier League after being sensible during their spell in the top-flight, tabled an offer of £1.5m for Driver last week. Hearts are holding out for nearer to £3m for the talented winger.
Strachan also maintains an interest in Dundee United's Craig Conway and Peterbough United's George Boyd.
Meanwhile former boss Gareth Southgate has played down reports linking him with Portsmouth job.
Southgate said: "I have been told that my name was mentioned in the papers regarding the Portsmouth job, but I am not taking it too seriously."
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo