Gordon Strachan has confirmed that he is in talks with Celtic about bringing in a number of players from his former club.
Boro continue Celtic talks
Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has confirmed that he is in talks with Celtic about bringing in a number of players from his former club.
Gary Caldwell and Barry Robson are understood to be Strachan's top targets, but Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Mark Wilson are also on his agenda.
Boro chief executive Keith Lamb is locked in negotiations with Parkhead counterpart Peter Lawwell and Strachan is hopeful something will be done soon, although nothing is likely to be in place ahead of this weekend's clash with Swansea City.
"We're trying hard to bring in people who can lead and people who want to be led," said Strachan.
"I want to bring in leaders and men - that's hugely important now. I have to have people who I know, players I know who are men, who are leaders, and who know about playing at this level.
"There'll not be any foreigners coming in this time, that's for sure. We have to add that wee bit of enthusiasm and knowledge.
"Everyone plays games and wants to get the best deal they can for their club. It's brinkmanship - we'll see how it goes.
"I'm happy with training this morning and we're ready to go for the weekend. The club needs to acquire money from somewhere to shake the team up and get some new bodies in."
Departures
Strachan admits he will be letting players leave, with Didier Digard ready to join Nice and Mohammed Shawky set to sign for a Turkish side.
"There'll obviously be a budget. If something else happens in terms of players leaving, then the budget will get bigger," he said.
"Didier is likely to go to Nice on loan for a while. That would free up some salary for deals to be done. He'll be going on loan if a deal is done. I would think it's not far off."
Strachan also conceded that he was expecting interest to be firmed up in star winger Adam Johnson.
"I'd imagine so, because he's the best player in this league by a long shot," he said.
