According to Gareth Southgate, the fact that new Newcastle striker Alan Smith spoke to him is an ‘achievement.’ The fact that this was said merely a few months after signing Jonathan Woodgate suggests that over recent months, Middlesbrough have fallen behind other clubs in the transfer market.

Steve Gibson is one of the better chairman in the Premiership, but with the recent influx of wealth and ambition in other Premiership boardrooms, he just does not have the capabilities to compete. The loss of striker Mark Viduka will weaken the Boro attack more than it will reinforce the Newcastle attacking line-up, and the signing of the former Arsenal, Celtic, West Ham and Wolves flop as a replacement is completely mystifying, and reinforces the belief that Boro are unable to compete in the transfer market

Fortunately for the Smoggies, their youth system is currently producing enough half-decent players whom can plug the gaps of quality in their squad. Furthermore, new signings Luke Young and Sanli Tuncay may not propel Boro into the upper echelons of the league, but should be good enough to help the club retain it’s status a mediocre also-rans.

With renewed finances and ambition, it is likely that Newcastle could, excluding new signings, persuade any Boro player to sign if they really wanted to. The most talented old-hand playing for the Smoggies is without doubt Yakubu, but a move for the Nigerian must be ruled out as Newcastle already have four or five strikers of greater or equal ability. Likewise in midfield, it is hard to see how even Stewart Downing could get on the Newcastle bench.

Newcastle’s defence is also really starting to come together with the signings of Cacapa and Jose Enrique. However, there are still vacancies in this area. Luke Young may have been an improvement on Carr, but clearly the club can’t go bidding for players whom have just signed for another club. At left back, it must be considered that there is no cover for Jose Enrique whom is very much an unknown at the moment. With that in mind Andrew Taylor could be someone who could come in and offer some real competition. Although not the best player in the world, Taylor is young, uncompromising and possesses a good left foot, and would increase the depth of a squad belonging to a manager who is apparently keen on squad building.

The Newcastle squad is probably also missing an additional centre half. With the signings of Jose Enrique, Rozehnal and Cacapa,the Newcastle defence is lacking real Premiership experience. Clearly, a decently priced squad player with Premiership experience is hard to come by. However, Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott could be the solution. Again, not the best player in the world, but the former Derby man is steady and doesn’t make many mistakes. The presence of highly rated coach Steve Round could be to important to Newcastle if we show an interest, for the pair know each other very well from their Derby and Boro days.

Speaking of Steve Round, it is pleasing to see that Newcastle have employed the man considered as being the best young English coach in the country. The fact that Southgate lost such a good coach due to a difference of opinion, and the fact that he now sees nearly signing someone as an ‘achievement,’ the former England defender has to be considered as one of the favourites for victory in this year’s sack race.

How will Middlesbrough do this season? Which Boro players would you like to see at Newcastle? Have your say.