Hopefully he will not be the only signing before the season starts.
Boro continue to make slow prgress in their attempts to attract Steed Malbranque to the Riverside. It would appear that the Belgian born French international is holding out for offers from other clubs.
West Ham have also been following the midfielder, but the most likely scenario is that he will stay at Fulham to see out the final year of his contract and move on a Bosman next summer.
Brett Emerton has emerged as a new target to bolster the midfield. Along with Joey Barton they would appear to be alternatives to Malbranque. I would only expect one of the three to make the move to the Riverside.
Boro have also been linked with another French international, Sidney Govou, but it is unlikely he will be high on Garteth Southgate's 'want' list, since Boro still have a healthy looking forward line, even with the departure of JFH.