New signings on the way

Viduka decided against renewing his contract at the Riverside and joined local rivals Newcastle in a surprise free transfer switch last week.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate revealed his disappointment at the defection of the Australia international striker, but is busy scouring the transfer market for replacements, according to Lamb.

He told the club's official website: "The fans can be certain that Gareth and the rest of the staff are doing all they can to bring in replacements."

"Gareth said when he first came to the job that he wanted to change the image of Middlesbrough and the way in which it played. His hands were a little bit tied with the squad he inherited but we think he did a remarkable job with limited resources and certain commitments in place."

"This is a great opportunity for change and I'm sure Gareth recognises that.

We will be trying to do all we can over the next few weeks and months so that the new Middlesbrough can take the field for the first game in August."

"We need to bring in new players who are high energy which is a different approach to what we've had in the past. There will be players leaving the club and there will be others coming in, that's for certain."

"We have our targets, our positions to fill and we are working quietly behind the scenes to bring those players into the football club."

Boro have been strongly linked with a move for Feyenoord's Netherlands international striker Romeo Castelen in recent days.