The last 12 months or so have been an absolute rollercoaster for the Middlesbrough fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern.

After suffering a cruel dash to their hopes of achieving Premier League Football in 2015, they were able to go one better last season; finally making their long awaited return to the pinnacle of English football; The Premier League.

Karanka has spent much of the summer improving his side, bringing in a host of top players as he bids to keep his side in the top flight at the first time of asking.

Significantly less attention has been placed on Middlesborough’s need to cut down squad size, and rid the squad of some of the stars that are destined for Championship football going forward.

With that, here are THREE players that Aitor Karanka needs to axe before Transfer Deadline Day…..

Tomas Mejias

This is a relatively simple one.

Middlesborough have brought in two very good keepers in Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan this summer, in addition to having both Medias and current number one Dimi Konstantopoulos already at the club.

It seems inevitable that Mejias will be the one to leave the club, with Aitor Karanka already suggesting that there is no need to have four keepers at the club.

Jordan Rhodes

Jordan Rhodes’ Middlesbrough future has looked in doubt all summer, and recent news has confirmed what we all thought might happen.

Middlesbrough are reportedly open to offers for the striker, as they look to improve their squad going forward.

He has reportedly been offered to a few clubs in the Championship, with at least one side reportedly interested.

This one looks like a done deal.

Mustapha Carayol

Mustapha Carayol was recently left out of a pre-season travelling squad, and his future at Middlesborough looks bleak to say the least.

Both Karanka and Carayol have confirmed that they are actively seeking a new club for the player,  with Karanka admitting that there is no space in the squad for the winger.

A good move for both we think.