Along with Norwich City and Leeds United, Middlesbrough have become one of the favourites for not only promotion this season but also for the league title.
Tony Pulis has turned Boro into one of the most solid teams in the league, and as it stands they have only conceded 13 goals in the league this season - the lowest in the whole Championship.
At the weekend, Middlesbrough lost 3-0 to a high powered Villa side in what was their first loss since their 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
While they have played incredibly well throughout the season, Pulis needs reinforcements in January and in order to fund any potential deals, he has sanctioned the sales of Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga according to the Northern Echo.
The Breakdown
While their defence has been rock solid this season, Pulis' side has struggled going forward and has only scored 22 goals this season.
Indeed, Assombalonga has only scored five goals this season in 17 appearances and just doesn't look like a forward that suits Pulis' direct, counter-attacking style of play. Assombalonga had a good season with the club last year as he scored 15 goals and if he is sold, there's no doubt that he could be a superb piece of business for any other club in the league.
Braithwaite likewise doesn't fit Pulis' style of play and has only scored three goals this season. On the face of it, selling the duo might be seen as a huge gamble as they're both good strikers but if they raise enough money for Pulis to bring in a replacement that fits his style, it might prove beneficial.