Middlesbrough’s forward situation looks particularly volatile at this stage.

When the transfer window slammed shut at the end of August, it looked as though ex-boss Neil Warnock had three settled options in Duncan Watmore, loanee Andraz Sporar and another summer signing in Uche Ikpeazu, with teenager Josh Coburn later joining the party from the Under-23s to provide some much-needed depth.

Although there were signs that 73-year-old Warnock wasn’t fully involved in the recruitment process in the summer, encountering teething problems with Martin Payero and James Lea Siliki early on, Ikpeazu was one player that the veteran had tracked for some time.

This, combined with Sporar adapting well to life in England and Coburn becoming increasing involved in the first team, provided stability and depth in that area to push for the remainder of the season.

But Warnock’s departure completely changed the game.

Less than two months on, ex-Wycombe man Ikpeazu has reportedly been given the green light to leave the Riverside Stadium in January and Coburn has only played half a game in total during Wilder’s six matches in charge thus far, a disappointment for the latter despite only being 18 years old after managing to thrive under the 54-year-old’s predecessor earlier on in the season.

He scored an impressive three goals in seven league appearances this term.

Teammate Ikpeazu’s potential departure may boost the teenager’s first-team chances on Teesside - but there have been no shortage of forwards being linked with a move to Boro ahead of the January transfer window and this could limit Coburn’s first-team chances further.

Brentford’s Marcus Forss and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun are just two players thought to be under consideration from officials at the Riverside.

And with Ikpeazu potentially on his way out, Sporar set to return to Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season, Coburn not in the first-team picture at the moment and Wilder opting to play two up top, it would be no surprise to see Boro bring in two forwards as they look to sustain their promotion charge.

The Teesside club’s boss believes reaching the play-offs is a possibility this season, but they will only be able to do that with a sufficient amount of attacking firepower.

With the second-tier side aiming for promotion and Coburn perhaps not yet having the necessary experience under his belt to be a big part of that, but doing more than enough at a senior level to show he’s ready for a loan, he should be pushing for a temporary spell away from the club until the end of the season.

This will allow him to improve his game and come back to North Yorkshire as a more well-rounded player.

Caution should be issued with the teenager’s development considering he’s only 18, but the fact he’s already scored three times in the Championship this season almost makes it seem as though Boro’s coaching staff would be holding him back by keeping him in the Under-23s.

Not only would a loan move be beneficial for the striker, but also for Wilder who could weaponise his potential loan departure to request an extra forward to provide added depth in January, with Coburn probably being seen by the club's board as a senior option who can step in after performing so well under ex-manager Warnock earlier in the campaign.

This is why a move would be the best outcome for all parties - it’s a no-brainer.