Middlesbrough v West Brom: Aitor Karanka testy over Boro's relative inactivity in window

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has vented his frustration at the club's failure to capture his top transfer targets during the January window.
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka.Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka.
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka.

Boro had a bid turned down last week for Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass, who has since joined West Ham for £10.2m, while another target, Paris St Germain winger Jese Rodriguez, is understood to have opted for a loan switch to hometown club Las Palmas.

The transfer deadline is at 11pm today and Karanka had clearly hoped to do more incoming business.

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Boro completed the permanent signings earlier this month of Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede, from Chelsea and Blackburn respectively, but Karanka wanted more.

“I said always the aim in the transfer window was to improve the squad and we didn’t. I will try my best,” Karanka said ahead of tonight’s home game against West Brom.

He added: “We had a first meeting one and a half months ago and we already knew the targets at that moment.

“Now with two days to finish we had an important game against Accrington on Saturday and we have a massive game tonight).”

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When asked why it had proved difficult to attract players to the club, Karanka said: “I don’t know. That’s not a question for me.

“I try my best. I’m thinking about (tonight’s) game.”

Midfielder Gaston Ramirez, who last week handed in a written transfer request, has been nursing a knee injury and will play no part against West Brom. Boro turned down a bid from champions Leicester for him.

Last six games: Middlesbrough LDWDLW West Brom LWWLLW.

Referee: S Attwell (Warwickshire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 0 West Brom 5; September 19, 2009; Championship.