Players in: Massimo Maccarone (Empoli, £8.15m); Juninho (Athletico Madrid £6m); George Boateng (Aston Villa, £5m); Franck Queudrue (Lens, £2.5m); Geremi (Real Madrid, season loan).

Players out: Paul Ince (Wolves, free); Dean Gordon (Coventry, free); Anthony Ormerod (Scarborough, free); Robbie Mustoe (released); Marlon Beresford (released).

Last season: 12th

This season's odds: 150-1

Player to watch: Massimo Maccarone

Our verdict - Ninth
Steve McClaren has been busy in the transfer market and, in Massimo Maccarone, looks to have stolen a gem from under the noses of Italy's Serie A giants. A top-half finish beckons this time if Boro's new boys click from the start.