Middlesbrough transfer state of play amid Ryan Giles talks and John Swift links

Middlesbrough are taking a more patient approach right now in the summer transfer window after their fast-paced start.

Displaying the benefits of their detailed planning, Boro made a fast and highly efficient start to the transfer window by quickly ticking off three of their biggest priorities. They've so far strengthened Michael Carrick's options with the arrivals of Luke Ayling, Delano Burgzorg and Aidan Morris.

In what was always expected to be a more focused and selective recruitment drive, the suggestions right now are of a slight pause to take stock and assess options before plotting their next moves. It comes after reports earlier this week linked them with a move for West Brom attacking midfielder John Swift.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough's transfer patience on Ryan Giles amid Hull City pre-season update

It is understood that the 29-year-old was a name mentioned earlier in the summer as a potential target and while it cannot be killed entirely, the feeling right now is that Boro are exploring other options. On top of that, they're taking stock and offering current options the chance to showcase themselves in the early weeks of pre-season.

It is in the forward areas where Boro are expected to make one more signing this summer, though sources have suggested to Teesside Live that the club are now going to take the next week or so to further assess their current players in training and the first summer friendly before finalising their next priority - which might also be their last.

A striker was believed to be their fourth priority, but with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Josh Coburn both making impressive returns this summer, it has been said that a centre-forward is 'not necessarily' the priority anymore. That's not to completely rule it out, but the fact Burgzorg and Marcus Forss can both offer cover too is cropping up in recruitment conversations.

That could prompt Boro to consider another versatile attacking player similar to Burgzorg, who might provide competition in a number of positions thanks to their versatility. It's something Boro's recruitment team will be working with Carrick on over the next seven to 10 days, with suggestions that Alex Gilbert has impressed so far this summer too, which could lead to him getting an opportunity.

With things ever-changing because of their willingness to give current options an opportunity, and with the market itself only really in its infancy as far player availability is concerned, they are happy to be patient, sake in the belief that their current options are strong. It means they feel confident taking their time in assessing exactly what they need now and which players might become available to them.

Though not seen as a priority, the other potential deal Boro could do this summer is the well-reported Ryan Giles transfer. Though left-back was not seen as a priority for them this summer given Lukas Engel and Alex Bangura remain solid options, the unexpected news early on that a deal for the former loanee could be viable meant it was one they always wanted to explore.

There has been plenty of noise of late coming out of the Hull camp suggesting that Boro's feelings on the deal were correct. Most notably, Hull owner Acun Ilicali has suggested they will let him go if he wants to leave the MKM Stadium.

However, it's another one where Boro might have to, and are willing to be patient with. Hull are in an interesting situation this summer with the size of their squad rebuild required while wrestling with PSR limits. Impending sales of Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene will improve their situation, but, given the volume of work needed on Humberside, there remains a belief that they will be better off for getting Giles off their wage bill, having been forced to sign him for £4 million this summer as part of the loan deal agreed with Luton Town in January.

While there is increasing belief that a deal can be done this summer, noise out of Hull in the last seven days has felt very much like an attempt to put pressure on and rush Boro into a deal above what they are willing to pay. Not desperate or prioritising a new left-back this summer, Boro are willing to be patient and could walk away altogether if Hull's demands are beyond what they're willing to pay.

Meanwhile, though not needing to move players on this summer as far as balancing the books is concerned, there could still be some departures from Boro this summer. The stance on key players remains unchanged as they have zero interest in letting their most important players leave, but for ridiculous offers.

But there has been some interest in players more on the fringes. Trabzonspor's interest in Dan Barlaser is yet to materialise in an offer for a permanent transfer that Boro deems acceptable. Anfernee Dijksteel has just 12 months remaining on his deal and is also seen to be on the fringes, albeit with Tommy Smith's injury rehab complicating that one.

Riley McGree is also in the last 12 months of his Boro contract. Hopes remain that he will eventually commit to a new long-term deal at the Riverside, but it remains an area of uncertainty for as long as there is no agreement. Recruitment staff will keep their options open for the potential of needing to replace him.

The goalkeeper situation is another that continues to be assessed in what now appears a three-way battle to be Seny Dieng's deputy next term. Jamie Jones is increasingly likely to sign a new contract to remain as a natural, experienced third-choice, leaving Tom Glover, Sol Brynn and Zach Hemming battling for the remaining spot in the squad. Glover is likely to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere if the opportunity presents itself, but academy graduates Brynn and Hemming are both determined to use their recent loan experiences to impress Boro coaches.