Middlesbrough are plotting a transfer deal to bring Birmingham City striker, Isaac Vassell to the club to bolster their attacking options according to The Times, via GazetteLive. 

Vassell made his return from a lengthy injury spell out of the team when he featured for the Blues against Boro recently.

Middlesbrough were seemingly impressed with Vassell's performance, which has led to speculation linking him with a move to Tony Pulis' side this month.

The 25-year-old picked up a worrying knee ligament injury in October 2017, and was ruled out until early 2019, which will surely be a worry for Middlesbrough if they are trying to strike a deal for Vassell.

Vassell is unlikely to find himself regular game time this season, with Lucas Jutkiewicz and Che Adams forming an impressive partnership up-front for Birmingham.

So a move to Middlesbrough shouldn't be ruled out at this stage, although it remains to be seen as to whether he would be getting regular game time with Boro, as they already have a number of strong attacking options available to them.

Garry Monk is likely to be reluctant to let Vassell leave the club, without having a replacement lined up, as Birmingham already are thin on numbers in their squad.

The Verdict: 

"It would be a waste of wages.

"If Vassell isn't getting into the Birmingham team, then what chance does he have of forcing himself into the starting XI at Middlesbrough anytime soon?

"Middlesbrough already have better options in attack, and they should focus on better alternatives elsewhere in this month's transfer window."