Boro are understood to be very close to finalising the loan signing Nypan, and while Edwards was reluctant to talk about the youngster until a deal is finalised, he did admit he “really likes” the midfielder.
Sontje Hansen arrived as Boro’s fourth signing of the summer this week, and Edwards confirmed more will follow, with the club’s recruitment team working hard behind the scenes on several fronts.
“We’re still working on stuff,” said Edwards.
“We want to strengthen the whole group. We expect a few more recruits, not just one or two. I can’t put an actual number on it but there are still a few areas we want to strengthen.
“But with one or two coming back from the treatment room and with Sontje, we’re already looking stronger than we were last week, so that’s a plus.
“We’re pretty clear on where we want to try and improve. Sontje is another player on the top line which is great. There are still a couple of areas which I don’t want to go into for obvious reasons, but we’re strengthening nicely.
“I’m really happy with the players who have come in. Rav has obviously moved on and we wish him well. We’re still working really hard on bringing more in.
“I appreciate everyone wants them here and now and that’s always the way, I do as well, but it doesn’t work like that.
“I think we’ll be in a good spot come the end of the window, but there’ll be more arrivals in due course.”
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Providing there are no late hitches, the capture of Nypan will be a real coup for Boro. Manchester City paid £12.5m to sign the midfielder from Rosenborg only last month, but are understood to view Boro as the ideal club for their talented youngster to continue his progression.
Boro also scouted Nypan last season but, given the high profile interest from the Premier League and major European clubs, realised it wasn’t going to be possible to sign the midfielder.
However, when it emerged Nypan was going to City, Boro took advantage of their healthy relationship with the Premier League club and enquired about a loan move.
Quizzed on the teenager today, Edwards said: “I don’t like talking about other people’s players but he is someone I admire. I really like him.”
Boro have had real success in the past in signing young players on loan from the Premier League, with Ben Doak – who is now closing in on a permanent move from Liverpool to Bournemouth – shining at the Riverside last season.
“They can be important,” said Edwards.
“It’s got to be right – both for the player and the club. There’s got to be a joint-up way of getting that as well.
“The player and his mentality has to be right. He’s got to be coming understanding why it’s important for their journey. But I think we saw a good one here last year, and we all know from that how it can benefit everybody.”
What’s also crucial to Edwards is signing players who have expressed a real desire to join the club – as was the case with Hansen – and who are deemed good fits for the club on and off the pitch.
“That’s very important; it’s the most important thing,” said Edwards.
“People who want to play for the football club. Be here, fight for the club, that’s everything.
“That’s what we’re trying to shape and build now. I’m confident by the end of the window we’ll be there. Everyone that is in the building now certainly wants to be here.”
