Middlesbrough could look to sign two 20-goal strikers this summer as they look to replace Britt Assombalonga, according to Dean Windass.

Assombalonga looks like he's played his final game for the Teessiders after club manager Neil Warnock revealed that the frontman was free to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has really struggled under Warnock this season and so his imminent departure certainly doesn't seem like a surprise given that his contract is due to expire in the coming months.

With Ashley Fletcher also set to move on in means that Middlesbrough face a big challenge in the transfer market as they look to add crucial goals to their side, and according to Windass, the focus for Warnock will be on finding a replacement for Assombalonga who can rise to the challenge of playing in front of a demanding Riverside Stadium crowd.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Windass said: "If his contract’s up he’ll definitely go.

“I played under Neil and he likes consistency – I used to find it frustrating playing under Neil because he’d bring you off after 70, 75, 80 minutes of a game if you hadn’t scored and I thrived in the last 10 minutes when defenders get tired and I’d never get that opportunity.

“When I was at Sheffield United it was me, Wayne Allison, Paul Peschisolido, Steve Kabba, Carl Asaba so there was five or six strikers and that’s what he wants.

“He’ll put four centre-forwards on the bench to get you a goal, that’s what he’s like.

“Assombalonga will leave and Neil will be looking to get a 20-goal striker or two next year.”

Asked why Assombalonga struggled, Windass added: “Every footballer has a level.

“Was that too much for him? Was the club too big for him?

“When those Middlesbrough supporters get back in and return in their numbers the pressure will be on and they won’t tolerate it.

“Next season it will be a different kettle of fish.

“When the fans come back some will thrive on it and others will crumble – especially at the Riverside because if you’re not doing it then they’ll let you know about it.”