Middlesbrough are carefully plotting their early steps in the January transfer window as they aim to use any opportunity they might get to strengthen their squad for the promotion push.

While Boro have targets in mind and are also open-minded to other possibilities that might crop up unexpectedly, the biggest factor heading into this window that will impact any potential incoming business that Boro can do will be outgoing business. That's because Boro's squad is currently at its maximum of 25 players over the age of 21 that means, unless any players are de-registered, only Under-21 players could be signed on a permanent and be eligible to play.

Asked about that last month, Michael Carrick admitted that there are ways in which Boro can create gaps in their squad if they need to, though he's often insisted that he is happy with his current squad. But with a desire to always try and evolve and improve with every possible opportunity, there has been plenty of talk about how Boro might create gaps in their squad.

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That's led to potential talk of certain players who could maybe go out on loan, if they've not had much impact so far this season. While Alex Gilbert proved how much of an impact he can have in the second half of the season with his goal in that game, Micah Hamilton remained unused in that game as his Boro struggles continue.

At this stage, Boro's stance on a potential January loan for Hamilton is unknown but it seems unlikely. It's true that he's struggled to have much of an impact since his summer move from Manchester City. However, there has always been a call for patience on the young star since his arrival, with the 21-year-old's better years ahead of him and this being a breakthrough year for him after limited senior experience so far.

It's his young age that makes a loan move this month unlikely, with Hamilton this season qualifying as an U21s player and therefore not needing to be registered in the 25-man list to be eligible to play. While there might be considerations for sending Hamilton out to gain more first-team experience, Boro effectively have an extra player who has proven in the past that he can make an impact in games, even if it hasn't quite happened for him in a Boro shirt yet. To loan him out would benefit them little because it wouldn't create a space for a replacement in their squad.

Learning a new tactical style, developing understandings with new team-mates all the while dealing with the lifestyle change of moving away from home for the first time can be tough. It's exactly why Boro have been so keen to protect Hamilton and ask for patience. It should be given too because to come through the academy and play Champions League football at Manchester City shows a level of pedigree that can stand him in good stead to be a huge prospect for the future.

Elsewhere, Boro have confirmed that academy prospects Sonny Finch and Terrell Agyemang have returned to the club following respective loan spells at MK Dons and Airdrieonians. It follows the decision to recall Zach Hemming from his loan at Leyton Orient.

Finch was due to spend the season on loan at Stadium MK but has struggled for a breakthrough after an early change in management there. Instead, he's regularly spent time playing for Boro's under-21s this season. Having already played for Boro this season, he can't head out on loan elsewhere in the second half of the season. But, only 19, he will be eligible to play for Boro again should he be needed, without the need to register him.

Agyemang, meanwhile, made 19 appearances for the Scottish Championship side, scoring two goals. But his loan spell was cut short early after he failed to start a match in any competition since September. At 22, registration rules apply to him and the former Man City youngster is expected to head out on loan elsewhere for the second half of the season if an alternative move can be found.