A telling transfer window awaits Middlesbrough.
Last summer Chuba Akpom departed for Ajax, which was a hammer blow for the Teessiders and one that ultimately damaged their promotion hopes.
Morgan Rogers left in a £16m move to Aston Villa in Janaury, handing Michael Carrick yet another problem to address.
If they are to mount a promotion charge next season, the club must stand firm and rebuff offers for their prized assets.
Already, there are reports linking one Boro ace with a move to the Premier League and it could spell big trouble for Carrick if chiefs sanction his departure.
Middlesbrough have to keep Seny Dieng amid links away
Seny Dieng has recently been linked with a move to Premier League outfit Newcastle United, who are keen on adding the shot-stopper to their ranks.
The Tynesiders view Dieng as a suitable backup for Nick Pope and it’s reported Boro would be open to sanctioning a sale for £4m.
That would be disastrous for Carrick if the board allowed the 29-year-old to leave this summer, as finding a replacement of a similar profile would be challenging.
The five-cap Senegal international is crucial to Boro’s build-up play from the back as he’s a very accomplished goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
The style Carrick has implemented requires a keeper who is good with his feet, and if Dieng left for Newcastle, he’d have a hard time signing a suitable replacement.
Such is why it’s imperative he remains at Riverside.
Emmanuel Latte Lath could be another linked with a move away
Emmanuel Latte Lath, who has been in sensational form of late netting nine goals in his last 10 games, is another Middlesbrough player who could attract interest in the summer transfer window.
The former Atalanta forward has looked like a Premier League player in the making in recent weeks and his two-goal display against Leeds United only amplified that notion.
With the way he’s ending the campaign, it wouldn’t at all be surprising if a few offers arrive when the window opens, so club chiefs must prepare to rebuff any forthcoming proposals.
Carrick needs to be fully backed, unlike the previous two windows, and if he is, Boro could be serious promotion contenders next term.