'Boro Transfer News: Duo to be sold in January, hopes of resigning midfielder dashed'

If rumours coming from various media outlets to be believed, there will be more departures than arrivals at Middlesbrough FC during the January transfer window.

In a bid to raise finances for new signings, Boro could sell both Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite in the January transfer window, according to reports.

Although still within reach of the top two in the Championship, Boro have struggled for goals this season, scoring 22 goals in 20 Championship games.

In the light of these statistics, one might think that Tony Pulis would shuffle the pack – especially in the attacking department – in the upcoming festive period.

However, if reports are to be believed, the manager is keen to sell both the strikers in the upcoming transfer window and use the funds generated from their potential sales to bring in new players.

Britt Assombalonga, who Pulis inherited when he took over the Boro job 12 months ago, has failed to win over the former Stoke City manager during his time at the club.

That despite the fact that he has scored 5 goals in 12 Championship appearances this season, before losing his place to a resurgent Jordan Hugill in the past few weeks.

While Pulis has failed to appreciate the performances of his striker, it appears that Assombalonga already has his list of suitors, with both Swansea City and West Brom reported to be leading the race for his signature.

Less surprising than the departure of Assombalonga would be the likely exit of fellow striker Martin Braithwaite from Teesside. After scoring 3 goals in his first five appearances for Boro this season, the Danish International has failed to score since.

And as BBC reported in September that Braithwaite asked for permission to leave the club, it seems that now Pulis is keen on granting the striker his wish.

No Return for Adomah

Although Boro are keen to slash their wage bill in January, it seems that one of their main targets would be staying put at the Villa Park, with Aston Villa manager Dean Smith refusing to sanction the sale of Albert Adomah at the turn of the year.

As Boro fans might recall, the club had agreed on a deal with Villa to bring the 30-year-old back to Teesside in January, only to see the talks collapse at the last minute.

Despite the breakdown in talks, manager Tony Pulis was reportedly confident that he could lure the midfielder in January, though the recent comments of the Villa boss change all that.

"I have no thoughts for Albert in January. He is an Aston Villa player, and I am enjoying working with him" said the Villa boss.

"He is one of the nicest fellows I have worked with, and he showed some quality against Birmingham City before being unfortunately brought down."

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"He has been a great lad since I have been here, and put in consistent performances. With him coming back, along with the likes of El Ghazi and Kodjia, we have some real firepower."