There's a real sense of power and strength about Middlesbrough at the moment and that can only bode well in the top six race.

Being frank, the club has underachieved this season after an inconsistent first half in particular but it looks as though they're finding a way of playing that works and getting results from it.

Indeed, of all the sides looking to get that sixth spot, they are surely the favourites and, though Villa and Fulham also look strong in the projected play-off battle, you'd not be surprised if Boro emerged victorious.

With that said, then, we've been thinking about who they'd need to sign in the summer to avoid another relegation from the top flight and we reckon Chris Brunt must be high on Tony Pulis' list:

The Northern Irishman is as solid as they come and certainly represents everything Pulis wants from a footballer in his teams.

He may not be a 'spectacular' signing but he'll give all he's got and, actually, his quality on the ball has never been in question.

Six assists for a side rock bottom in the Premier League is a decent return and, with Boro's wealth of attacking talent, he'd surely be able to provide similar, if not increased, levels of ammunition.

Of course, Boro are going to need to bring in other dynamics to their side but they signed Pulis not only to get them up but to keep them up, and signing Brunt should prove a part of that task.

Thoughts, Boro fans? Let us know below!