Boro’s plans and squad are coming together, with Sontje Hansen and Sverre Nypan having both arrived in the last week and Adilson Malanda set to arrive from Charlotte FC, though the defender will initially return to the United States on loan until the end of the MLS season.
But Boro are still working on two priority areas, with efforts to sign a striker and a left wing-back both ongoing.
With Emmanuel Latte Lath and Josh Coburn having both left this year, Conway is currently the only natural centre-forward on Boro’s books and has started the first three games of the campaign in all competitions.
Boro’s new No.9, who scored 13 goals in an impressive first season on Teesside, has the full backing of Edwards, but the head coach knows cover, competition and variety is needed up-top.
“He [Conway] puts so much into it,” said Edwards.
“You need to be able to change that – whether it’s 60-30 or whatever way you want to go – maybe it’s even earlier, whatever way you want to go.
“You need to be able to do that, and maybe someone who has slightly different attributes as well.
“We’re certainly looking at a number of different areas and we understand that we’re probably asking one or two lads to do a bit extra at the moment without much help.
“I think the competition helps. We want a really competitive group, high quality and all pushing each other. I think that will help bring the best out of everyone.”
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Boro continue to weigh up their options with their striker targets.
They made an effort to sign Senegal international Cheikh Sabaly earlier this month but had strong bids knocked back by Metz and won’t offer more than their valuation of the 26-year-old, who is now in the final year of his contract.
David Strelec remains in Boro’s thinking, with the Championship club having made an effort to sign the Slovakian international in January.
Slovan Bratislava were knocked out of the Champions League at the qualifying phase last week, which prompted Strelec’s father, Milan, to claim “things will start to happen before the August deadline”.
He said over the weekend: “When Slovan were trying to win through to the main stages of the Champions League again, the club’s management would not consider David’s transfer.
“Or at least it was not high on their agenda. But now I presume things will start to happen before the August deadline.
“Things will start heating up around David again.
“As far as I know, several clubs are still interested, including Celtic and Middlesbrough and we know both had bids for him in the past.
“So I am curious what will happen in the remaining few days before the deadline.”
Slovan Bratislava now face a two-legged Europa League qualifier against Young Boys. The first leg takes place tomorrow night and the second next Thursday, August 28.
At left wing-back, Max Arfsten was identified as a leading target this month but Columbus Crew have rejected one bid from Boro and are adamant they won’t sell this month.
Boro remain interested in Arfsten but do have alternate options and targets should they have to completely admit defeat in their pursuit of the USA international.
