As we approach the second international break of the campaign, Aitor Karanka can look back on the previous months with much delight.

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in six league games and have lost just the once this season, and they are up to 5th in the Championship table after a magnificent 2-0 win away at Middlesbrough last week.

Boro hadn't lost or conceded a single league goal at the Riverside Stadium before the Spanish boss returned to his old stomping ground, which shows just how well Forest have done over the last couple of months.

Forest have a excellent, huge squad in their ranks - they have the experience of Michael Dawson, Michael Hefele and Danny Fox at the back who look more solid than ever, and have a midfield blessed with an array of talent and flair ranging from Adlene Guedioura to Joao Carvalho.

But one position every Forest fan would say needs strengthening is their striking options, with Daryl Murphy and Lewis Grabban their only real recognised strikers.

The latter has scored five times in eight starts for the Reds following his £6million arrival from AFC Bournemouth in the summer, however if he is to get injured at some point this season, then 35-year old Murphy would be their only forward.

Forest have been linked with a move for Iranian international Karim Ansarifard for what seems a decade, but a move just hasn't seemed to materialise and rumours are deteriorating day by day.

So who should Forest sign in January? Of course, Grabban is going to lead the line whilst he is fit and injury-free, but you will struggle to find a better back-up option in the Championship than Rudy Gestede.

The Middlesbrough striker has been a real handful for defences in the Championship over the years, and the Benin international would add a different dimension to the Forest squad.

Known for his physical prowess and heading abilities, the 30-year old would be a delight for the likes of Gil Dias and Joe Lolley on the flanks, and if Grabban were to come off late on, then Gestede would be a real danger at both ends of the pitch.

The goals haven't really been there in the last few years for Gestede, however after scoring 6 times in 19 starts for Middlesbrough, and 10 goals in 26 starts for Aston Villa before that, this shows that with a consistent run of games, then he could reach double figures a season easily.

It is at Blackburn Rovers where Gestede succeeded most, netting an impressive 34 times in 54 starts for Blackburn Rovers between 2013 and 2015, which again shows how much of a good player he can be at this level.

Gestede has featured just twice for Boro this season, and Aitor Karanka should, once again, return to his old stomping ground and try to sign Rudy Gestede in January...