How Neil Warnock's transfer plans have changed as Middlesbrough search for creative spark

The manager’s response wasn’t a definitive one, in fact it was a little surprising given Boro had dominated the game for large spells at Vicarage Road but appeared to lack a creative spark in a 1-0 defeat.

“I’d be more concerned about getting strikers in to give us a chance so the midfielders have got something different to play with,” said the Boro boss.

Warnock was also asked about Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts, a player the manager is fond of after his loan spell at the Riverside last season.

Roberts is a creator, someone who can run at defenders and beat a man to open up space.

Yet Warnock suggested last month it may be difficult to fit the 23-year-old into Boro’s prefered system – a 3-5-2 formation which provides extra security at the back.

In Warnock’s eight games in charge of Boro last season, the Teessiders started with a back three on three occasions, the same three games in which Roberts started on the bench.

Yet the system does allow one of Boro’s midfielders to take up an advanced central role, a position where they are given more freedom to roam and create.

Marcus Tavernier has occupied that slot in recent weeks but hasn’t hit the same heights he did at the end of last season.

Warnock has also suggested Lewis Wing can operate just behind the side’s two strikers, yet the 25-year-old has started just two games under Warnock, both in the Carabao Cup, and was left on the bench against Bournemouth and QPR.

It seems clear then that Boro need more competition when it comes to that attacking midfield role, a point Warnock agreed with on Thursday.

"I’m looking for creativity to help us score goals,” said Warnock.

“Something between a striker and an attacking midfielder, someone who can drop into that hole. They don’t have to be a midfielder, certain strikers have done that for me in the past.”

Warnock’s comments mark a change of approach in the transfer market after he said he wanted two more strikers just a couple of weeks ago.

Boro brought in frontman Chuba Akpom last month, with 24-year-old set to compete with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher up top.

And it now seems Warnock is satisfied with the strikers he has to choose from, even if he’d prefer to have four forwards at his disposal.

It’s also become clear that Boro probably don’t have the capacity to sign four more players like Warnock wanted, and they may have to persevere until January.

The Teessiders may only be able to bring in a couple more players on loan before the end of the window so need make sure they address the key areas.

A quick glance at the Championship’s expected goals table shows that Boro are fourth bottom after three games, once again suggesting a lack of creativity.

Boro fans will have been pleased to see reports linking Roberts with a return to the Riverside on Friday, while Warnock admitted the club are now looking at ‘that type of player’.

Roberts has also operated in a central position in his career and would certainly be a popular choice.

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