The Middlesbrough fans in the Tavern are enjoying their return to the Premier League this season, but they think that their side urgently needs reinforcements in the January transfer window if they plan to stay there.

The Teesiders have only just returned to the top tier of English football and the days of Ravenelli and Juninho are sadly behind them as they sit worryingly close to the drop zone.

Aitor Karanka’s side have won just one game in the last 6 and the January window presents an opportunity to bring in some new players to ensure their brush with the elite isn’t a fleeting one.

Middlesbrough are not in the same league as Man City or Chelsea in terms of financial power; Aitor Karanka will need to scour far and wide to find players that offer value for money in order build a team capable of staying up.

Over the years the Tavern faithful have seen many previously unknown players make a name for themselves; Nicolas Anelka, Peter Schmeichel and Sami Hyppia were all plucked from relative obscurity to become Premier League legends.

The Premier League is a major platform for ambitious footballers to make a name for themselves on the world stage; Karanka must find talent that is hungry and affordable, and inevitably these stars are sourced from lower divisions or international leagues.

Middlesbrough play with real width but lack spark in the middle of the field and Karanka must find a creative player to help unlock Premier League defences and save them from the drop.

Here are 3 players you’ve never heard of that The Boro should sign this month…

CLEMENT GRENIER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6_lXkT7SgE

Clément Grenier (25) is a French international who plays for Ligue 1 club Lyon. He has also represented France across all youth levels.

The young Frenchman is known for his technical ability, dribbling, and free-kick taking.

Grenier plays on the right side of midfield or ‘in the hole’ just behind the striker.

KEREM DEMIRBAY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9d9PjpWkKw

Kerem Demirbay (23) is a German-born Turkish international who plays as a midfielder for 1899 Hoffenheim.

The Turkish U21 star has scored 3 times and provided 4 assists in the Bundesliga this season, with the midfielder making 11 starts in the German top flight.

A typical deep-lying playmaker, Demirbay is the real deal.