For clubs struggling at the bottom it is essential that they bring in new players, but will the selling clubs hold them to ransom?
On the other hand some clubs may want to off-load players who are out of contract at the end of the season. This is their last chance to recoup even a token transfer fee.
Steve McClaren has stated, "We've got no money and it would have to really hit us to think that, but we do look. We're a young team. We wanted to go down that route. We wanted to have legs this year, we wanted to be able to get around the park."
Needless to say, Boro continue to be linked with several big names, the latest being Francis Jeffers from Arsenal and Kevin Phillips from the Mackems.
Possible departures from the Riverside could include Dean Windass and Noel Whelan who have been attracting attention from some first division clubs.