Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg addresses David Strelec exit talk and transfer situation

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has made it clear that he wants David Strelec to remain at the Riverside and play an important role in the club’s promotion campaign.

The Slovakian forward returned from injury on Tuesday night, coming off the bench during the closing stages of Boro’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers.

Middlesbrough’s attacking depth was on show during the win, with Kyle Joseph scoring his first goal for the club and Will Lankshear continuing his impressive start to the campaign by finding the net for the fourth time.

Strelec faces strong competition for a starting place after a difficult first season on Teesside, when he managed just nine goals. His future has also been the subject of speculation, with reports claiming Greek side PAOK had agreed personal terms with the striker.

However, Middlesbrough head of football Kieran Scott previously stated that there had been no contact between the two clubs, and Hellberg reiterated after the Doncaster game that he expects Strelec to remain with Boro.

“I see David here. I think David is a brilliant footballer, and I hope he is here,” Hellberg said.

“That is the only thing I am thinking about now. I haven’t heard anything about that, although I have read about it and been asked about it.

“I see David here, and I think he will be here. If something happens, then something happens, but I am counting on him being here.”

Middlesbrough still looking for signings

While Hellberg wants to keep Strelec, Middlesbrough could still be active before the transfer deadline.

Boro have already made nine additions this summer but remain interested in strengthening further, particularly in central midfield and on the wing. The club is also open to opportunities in the Premier League loan market.

Hellberg, however, suggested supporters should not necessarily expect a busy final few days, predicting that perhaps only one more player will arrive.

“We have tried to look for two players in every position who can compete, and I think the recruitment team and everyone around it have done a brilliant job,” he said.

“If I was to guess today, I think there will maybe be one more before the end of the window.”

The victory over Doncaster demonstrated the strength of Middlesbrough’s squad, with Hellberg able to make five changes while still fielding a competitive side and having quality options available from the bench.

The Boro boss is delighted with the depth at his disposal and believes the club is in a strong position heading into the season.

“I am very happy. I think the depth in the squad is brilliant now,” Hellberg added.

“There are a lot of good players who want to play, train, improve and have that mentality, which I love to work with.

“Middlesbrough as a football club is in a very good place. Now my challenge is to get them up to speed as quickly as possible.”