Boro goalkeeper plans as experienced shot-stopper signs one-year contract

McLaughlin was initially on the club’s released list at the end of last season, as the one-year deal he signed last summer expired.

However, the 38-year-old was invited to return to Rockliffe at the start of pre-season if he wished to prolong his playing career. Taking Boro up on the offer, he has now committed to staying on next term.

A common thing for clubs in recent years, an experienced keeper like McLaughlin is sought to act as an emergency backup option on the pitch, while offering experience, support and coaching off it.

With a career lasting almost two decades and taking him to eight different clubs including Rangers, Sunderland and Bradford, while also playing twice for Scotland, Mclaughlin certainly has plenty of wisdom to share.

Despite not making a competitive appearance for Boro, the veteran was praised behind the scenes for his work with Sol Brynn in particular, as the Teessider stepped up to become Boro’s first choice keeper for the first time last season.

With McLaughlin now signed up, attention turns towards the main goalkeeper that Boro will sign this summer, with Brynn’s position as number one under threat.

While Seny Dieng has been part of Boro’s first-team during pre-season training - and completed another 60 minutes on Saturday in the training game against Huddersfield Town - Boro are still expected to look to move on the Senegal international, with only one year remaining on his Boro deal.

In turn, the club then plans to recruit a goalkeeper, with their plans for the calibre of shot-stopper becoming more clear over the weekend.

Manchester United’s Radek Vitek and Ipswich Town’s Kayne van Oevelen have both emerged as options currently under consideration for Boro.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page

Both have held conversations over the possibility of a permanent transfer for Vitek, who impressed last season while on loan at Bristol City.

As yet, those talks have not progressed, however, and a deal is described as difficult. Vitek has many options having made his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer to play regular football clear.

Van Oevelen, meanwhile, is a potential loan option for Boro, having signed for newly-promoted Ipswich Town this summer.

The 22-year-old Dutchman signed a five-year deal at Portman Road earlier this month, joining from relegated Eredivisie side Volendam.

Ipswich’s plan after signing the prospect is to try and find a Championship loan for him to play regular football while acclimatising to English football.

Similar to Sverre Nypan last summer, who joined Boro on loan shortly after moving to Manchester City, Volendam is a player who Boro have scouted previously and therefore see him as someone who could strengthen their squad for the season ahead.

The duo are by no means Boro’s only goalkeeper options but signal that the club’s plans are to upgrade between the sticks ahead of the new season.

The indication is that Brynn is by no means being written off, but the club wants to push his development further by giving him tough competition.

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.