Middlesbrough were after a striker in the January transfer window but failed to agree a deal and are now left ruing the missed opportunity.
Boro were held to a goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend and Michael Carrick admitted that his side lacked quality.
The hosts failed to convert any of their 18 attempts and now reside seven points adrift of the playoffs heading into the business end of the season.
Middlesbrough were eager to add a striker to their attacking ranks and according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, were very close to landing Brandon Vazquez.
Having missed out on his signature, the 25-year-old signed for CF Monterrey and is currently ripping it up in Mexico’s top flight.
Middlesbrough left ruing failed attempt to sign Brandon Vazquez
Carrick will be pulling his hair out after his side missed several chances on the weekend, leaving a top-six finish now seemingly out of reach.
The former Manchester United assistant wanted to sign a new striker in the winter transfer window and came close to bringing in Vazquez, who is now on a prolific run of form with his new club.
The eight-cap USA international is averaging a goal every 94 minutes and has netted eight goals in 13 appearances for Monterrey, as per Transfermarkt.
Having lost last season’s top scorer Chuba Akpom in the summer and Morgan Rogers in January, Boro have been crying out for another natural finisher up top.
It seems they’ve missed the boat on Vazquez, though.
Middlesbrough need to sign a striker in the summer
The Riverside outfit will already be making plans behind the scenes for the summer transfer window and at the top of their targets should be an experienced striker.
Emmanuel Latte Lath is the current top scorer with nine goals across all competitions, seven of which have come in the Championship.
That just simply isn’t good enough for a side hopeful of gaining promotion to the Premier League and it needs to be addressed.
For the remainder of the season, Carrick could turn to young forward Sonny Finch in a bid to combat his side’s profligate nature.
The Middlesbrough manager is keeping a close eye on Finch, who has been in fine form for the under-21s since returning from injury.
The 18-year-old, who has been capped by England’s under-18s, has struck five goals in as many games in the Premier League 2, including a brace against Manchester United.
He’s certainly one to consider.