Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers: Kim Hellberg's message regarding big summer window signing
GIVEN their extensive recruitment late in the summer window and their strong opening half of the campaign, the smart money is on January being relatively quiet at Middlesbrough.
Repelling any top-flight interest in star turn Hayden Hackney is likely to take pre-eminence, while Boro's already full squad is set to preclude significant inward arrivals.
One player who will possess a new signing feel is former MLS defender Adilson Malanga.
The centre-half, brought in for a fair-sized fee, is unable to play until the new year when the EFL registration window reopens.
After finishing his commitments in the US, he has been on Teesside for several weeks and Boro fans could get their first glimpse of him in action early next month.
Head coach Kim Hellberg, without Riley McGree for the next two games, said: "There's so many games and it also means you may have to put someone in earlier than you think or things can happen during this period of time.
"You can see the quality, skill and the person and he will be a very good player. It's just a matter of time, whether it's two weeks or one month. He's doing very, very well and we're looking forward to having him available."
Before January, Boro face two visitors who are likely to pose issues for different reasons.
Monday opponents Hull will require no motivation after their first-half evisceration en route to a recent 4-1 loss to Boro.
Blackburn are in a more modest league position, but have proved to be a major bogey team for Boro over many years.
The Teessiders are winless in their last 11 home outings against Rovers, who boast a formidable record since the venue opened in 1995.