Middlesbrough will surely need to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window.
Goals have been something of a problem for Michael Carrick‘s side so far this season.
They have found the net just 53 times during the current campaign. Only one side in the top 10 in the Championship have found the net less frequently.
Indeed, no Middlesbrough player has scored more than seven goals in the Championship during the current campaign.
They will therefore, have to add to their attacking options once the market opens again in the summer.
One player they could look to for inspiration is Mark Viduka. A hugely popular player during his time at The Riverside Stadium, the Australian scored 42 goals in 101 games for Middlesbrough between 2004 and 2007.
A player with his qualities would no doubt be useful for Carrick’s side. So we’ve taken a look at three Viduka-like strikers who ‘Boro could potentially sign this summer, right here.
Sinclair Armstrong
Armstrong has enjoyed an eye-catching season for QPR. While he hasn’t been a regular scorer in front of goal, he has been a threat to defences in pretty much every other way.
His pace and physicality would therefore be a major asset to any club at this level. Indeed, Marti Cifuentes recently described him as ‘very important’ to QPR. At 20-years-old, he also has plenty of time to add a finishing touch to his game.
With QPR battling relegation, dropping into the third-tier may force them to sell certain assets, something Middlesbrough could look to take advantage of here.
Sam Gallagher has hurt Middlesbrough before
‘Boro know all about the threat of Sam Gallagher, with the Blackburn Rovers man having scored some important goals against them in the past.
That includes a brace in his side’s 2-1 win at The Riverside last season. Gallagher’s physical presence and work rate mean he could also offer something similar to Viduka for Middlesbrough.
His Championship experience could also be useful for Carrick’s side. Indeed, his current Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace recently described him as ‘massive’ for his team. However, Gallagher is out of contract at Ewood Park at the end of the season.
Admittedly, Blackburn Rovers do have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months, but even then, he may be relatively cheap for Middlesbrough. Transfermarkt currently value him at £2million.
Devante Cole
Looking into League One, Devante Cole is another who could be well worth targeting come the summer.
An excellent campaign has seen the 28-year-old score 17 goals in 38 league games for the Tykes, already bettering his tally from last season. As a result, Cole, who also offers a considerable physical presence, and clinical instinct, may be ready for another shot at the Championship.
He is also out of contract at the end of this season. He may therefore be available on a free transfer, making this a low risk financial move for Middlesbrough.