11 games into the new season and Middlesbrough are showing they may just have enough about themselves to stay in the Premier League, much to the delight of the Boro faithful propping up the bar in the Transfer Tavern.

Boro have played some tidy football under Aitor Karanka and are starting to find some defensive solidity as well, having conceded only one goal in their last three games and holding Manchester City at the Etihad last time out.

Having a strong backline is essential in the Premier League – just looked at how many points it is winning for Burnley – but Boro will struggle unless they find some goals soon.

Their top scorer is Cristian Stuani with just three strikes – two of those coming against Sunderland. The Uruguayan is often hit and miss and scores in spurts however, frustrating fans in the Tavern.

Alvaro Negredo has played well but seems to be creating more than he’s scoring with Karanka desperate for someone to put those chances away.

With that in mind, here are FOUR players we think can do the job.

AYOZE PEREZ

Karanka has drawn plaudits for introducing an attractive, passing style of play to Middlesbrough and making them tough to beat purely because of how well they can keep the ball.

Ayoze Perez would fit right in with that style and act as a link between the attack and midfield, possibly playing in the space behind Alvaro Negredo.

The only problem is the Spaniard is very lightweight and can be pushed off the ball easily. If Middlesbrough want a player who can nick goals though then Perez may well be the one to go with.

RODRIGO

Middlesbrough pulled off something of a coup by bringing Alvaro Negredo to the Riverside Stadium.

The 31-year-old has played for the likes of Benfica and Sevilla before joining ‘Boro from Valencia.

If Middlesbrough stump up the money they may be able to attract his former teammate Rodrigo from the Mestalla.

The Spaniard has the potential to go far and looked a top player at Benfica before he began to struggle at Valencia. Perhaps a change of scenery, even on loan, will help his career.

SAM LAMMERS

Sam Lammers is a name Middlesbrough fans may well be familiar with having been linked with him over the last few weeks.

The 19-year-old would be capable at holding up play with his six foot two inch frame and had some goalscoring instinct with 10 goals in 23 reserve games.

Lammers has only just been promoted to the PSV first team but may well be worth monitoring if he gets a run of games for the Dutch champions, with fellow Dutchman Martin De Roon on hand to help the Netherlands striker settle.

LEONARDO ULLOA

If Karanka wants someone to instil a winning mentality among his squad, what better way than by signing a Premier League winner?

Leo Ulloa seems surplus to requirements at Leicester City as Ahmed Musa and Islam Slimani joined fellow first-team stars Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Argentine is still a handful and chips in with important goals like his last minute winner against Norwich City for the Foxes – something that could become invaluable, if Boro are battling relegation at the end of the season.