Boro were actively involved in discussions for Sylvain Distin and Brett Emerton but nothing has perspired. Robert Huth was close to signing a loan deal but nothing has been said since.
New names in the frame have included James Milner (Newcastle), Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan) and Ricardo Costa (Porto).
The transfer market will go crazy as we get towards the end of August, but we can't wait that long, we can't afford to start the season badly, particularly with Chelsea and Arsenal to play in the first few weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, two Boro players have started the season with new clubs. Goalkeeper Brad Jones has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for three months and forward Danny Graham has joined Blackpool on loan for a month.