Middlesbrough chief Keith Lamb has described the transfer market as currently "manic".

Lamb said: "We are doing all we can. The transfer market is manic at the moment.

"There is a lot of activity, but not much activity, if you understand what I am saying. All sorts of clubs are being linked with all sorts of players.

"It will settle down eventually. We have our targets, our positions to fill, and we are working quietly behind the scenes to do all we can to bring those players into the football club.

"I am sure there will be a number of new faces at this football club before the start of the season, and there will be some old ones who remain with us.

"It will be an interesting mix for next year, but one I am sure Gareth, come the first match of the season, will be absolutely delighted with."

Boro boss Gareth Southgate could have done without having to find a replacement for last season's leading scorer, Mark Viduka, during a summer already truncated by his studies for the UEFA A Licence.

However, the club's hierarchy remains firmly behind him a year into his reign.

Lamb told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "I have said time and time again how impressed I have been with Gareth and how I think in time he will become a top manager. He is going about it the right way.

"This is a great opportunity for change at this football club. We need to bring in new players, high energy, a different approach to that we have had in the past - and you can only effect change by change.

"There will be players leaving the club and there will be other players coming in, that's for certain."