This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Middlesbrough continue to struggle this season, with Jonathan Woodgate's side down in 22nd place in the Championship, following their weekend defeat at the hands of Derby County.

Woodgate therefore is looking to strengthen his squad, with Crawley Town attacker Bez Lubala a potential January target, according to a report on TEAMtalk.

The 21-year-old winger is enjoying a fine season for the Red Devils, having notched seven goals so far the League Two side.

So would Lubala be a good addition at the Riverside? Is he good enough to make the step up to the Championship?

We discuss.........

Kris Smith

“I think it presents a bit of a gamble for Jonathan Woodgate who will definitely be in the market to add guaranteed goals to his squad in January,and under immense pressure to do so.

“Middlesbrough are currently the division's lowest scorers after going a month without a goal (four games), and signing a goalscorer will surely be high on the agenda for Woodgate and Boro.

“The reason this is a somewhat gamble for Boro is that he had been released by fellow Championship outfit Birmingham and is currently plying his trade two divisions lower with Crawley.

“Having scored seven so far this season, he is definitely in fine form and worth considering as a solution to their problems as well as only being 21-years-old, but given the circumstances of where he is playing currently, his form has to be taken with a pinch of salt.”

Dean Cooke

"This is the type of signing that I'd like to see more of for clubs like Middlesbrough. A youngster who's been excellent in the lower leagues, and is deserving of a chance to see if he can make it at a top level.

"Lubala has been so impressive at Crawley this season, and he offers more than just goals through his direct running and dribbling ability.

"Maybe Jonathan Woodgate is thinking for the future and could potentially loan the forward out after buying him. The problem I would say is that Boro are currently in a relegation battle, make no mistake about that, so if they were to use him and rely on him, that could be a massive risk.

"Overall, it would be a relatively cheap option, making it low risk with potential of high reward."

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George Harbey

"They certainly need something else going forward, and Lubala could be the man to give them that spark in the final third.

"Scoring goals has certainly been an issue for Jonathan Woodgate's side this season having managed to find the net only 11 times this season. If we are looking back, they have lacked any real pace and power going forward since losing Adama Traore to Wolves.

"Lubala has been in excellent form for Crawley Town this season - he is a very versatile attacker who could add some much-needed flair to their attack.

"It would be somewhat of a coup if they managed to sign him given the other clubs interested in him."