Uche Ikpeazu looks set to leave Middlesbrough in the January transfer window after reports of a potential move to Millwall.

Sadly, the 26-year-old's summer move from Wycombe Wanderers has not worked out with Chris Wilder preferring a strike-force of Duncan Watmore and Andraz Sporar. Though that is not to say that Ikpeazu cannot be an effective striker in the second tier, the 26-year-old has demonstrated his ability at Wycombe last term and asserted his authority at The Riverside in the opening weeks of the season before an untimely injury saw him replaced by Sporar.

Chris Wilder and the Boro recruitment staff will be identifying targets for next month at the moment, with the former Sheffield United boss looking to put his own stamp on the team in hoping to break into the play-offs in the second half of the season.

Here, we have taken a look at three potential replacements for Uche Ikpeazu at Middlesbrough...

Ashley Fletcher

This would be a surprise move having only left the club in the summer. However, Ashley Fletcher has been an effective striker at Championship level in the past, is happy to do the unselfish running that Wilder enjoys and has struggled for game time at Watford this season.

There is a strength in depth for Fletcher to compete with at Vicarage Road and in the Hornets managing their asset, the 26-year-old going out on loan and re-proving himself at second tier level could be mutually beneficial.

Oli McBurnie

It has been a bit of a nightmare last couple of seasons for Ollie McBurnie at Sheffield United. The Scotsman would likely only be available on loan, but there is definitely an argument that he is in need of one having only managed three starts in the league this season. McBurnie performed well leading the line as the Blades remarkably finished ninth in the top-flight in 2019/20 but he has only scored one league goal since and cannot carve out a run of games this season.

Before his career reaches a crossroads being out of contract next summer, it would be smart from a business point of view to at least give McBurnie a platform to showcase his ability in the second half of the campaign.

 

 

Luke Jephcott

Plymouth Argyle livewire Luke Jephcott has been a constant goal threat at League One level in the last two seasons. Bringing him in would represent a bit of a project with plenty of development still to go at 21, but with Boro looking for more energetic attackers Jephcott fits the bill.

Sporar is only on loan after all, and in planning for life after he returns to Sporting Lisbon, Jephcott is an improving player who would represent smart recruitment. His contract at Home Park is up at the end of next season.