Where Middlesbrough are still looking to strengthen in the transfer market as club assess Ashley Fletcher's injury ahead of QPR trip

Boro have seen nine players leave the club, loans included, since the end of June while only four players have arrived on Teesside since the end of last season.

Akpom will provide another option up top in the side’s 3-5-2 formation, providing competition with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher.

Fletcher limped off with a knock during Boro’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend and will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s trip to QPR.

When asked about Fletcher after the game, Boro’s first-team assistant Kevin Blackwell said: "It’s a slight knock and as you know with the lack of numbers we can’t risk anything.

“At that time we were well on top of the game and didn’t really want to be making changes but we had to look after him.”

Marcus Browne took Fletcher’s place in the 69th minute and scored his first Boro goal to earn the Teessiders a point against Bournemouth.

Yet Blackwell and Boro’s coaching staff still feel they need another natural striker.

“We still need another striker. Chuba only gives us three,” Blackwell added.

“If Fletch is injured, Browne is more of a ten than a striker, so we might need a bit more there.

“It’s a discussion for the gaffer and the club really, but everyone knows we need one or two more in, because what you saw today was the entire playing squad at the football club.

“That includes all the players who went away last season and are coming back so it’s nice to see now they are performing a bit better.

“With just 18 players it’s thin and the club knows that.”

After October’s international break, Boro will face seven games in 22 days, which includes lengthy trips to Bristol City and Cardiff.

With that in mind, everyone is well aware reinforcements are needed.

“We’re delighted to get Chuba over the line, and Fletcher coming off today shows why,” added Blackwell.

“We have an awful run coming up where we play Tuesday-Saturday for two months, so we’re going to have more quality in.

“We’re aware we will need to bring in more quality than what we’ve got.”

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