Middlesbrough are prioritising the signing of at least one new striker this summer, according to Neil Warnock.

The Teessiders are at risk of their season fizzling out after a poor run of form has diminished any hopes of secure a play-off spot this term.

With attention soon turning to the summer the feeling at the Riverside Stadium is that the squad could be facing some significant changes.

Various players such as Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher are out of contract this summer, and according to Warnock, it's in attack that he'll be putting the bulk of his attentions in the transfer market.

As quoted by Teesside Live, Warnock said: "I think with Britt and Ashley out of contract it’s natural [to be looking at strikers ahead of the summer].

"We might need two, maybe even three strikers if they do leave and it’s getting the right ones.

"It would be nice to get someone who has seen and done it all at Championship level."

He added: "I think everybody knows the positions I’m going to be looking for and we probably need two or three in the same position at times.

"I’m quite happy with the situation with two-thirds of the squad really."

The verdict

It's no surprise that signing a striker is a priority.

The situation with Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga is clear, but even then the club are lacking a reliable striker who is guaranteed to score 15+ goals.

If Middlesbrough are to battle for promotion then they'll need that striker and so signing at least one top attacker is paramount.