Neil Warnock admits Middlesbrough are unlikely to stand in Chuba Akpom’s way should Championship rivals QPR and Nottingham Forest step up their interest in the £3 million striker, speaking to Teesside Live.
Then again, having let Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher leave the Riverside in July, promotion specialist Warnock is keen to ensure Boro aren’t caught short as they look to force their way into the play-off picture in 2021/22.
Alongside the out-of-favour Akpom, summer signing Uche Ikpeazu is the club’s only other senior centre-forward, although highly rated teenager Josh Coburn has impressed whenever given an opportunity.
Akpom has been linked with a switch to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers, via the Northern Echo and TEAMtalk.
And although the former Arsenal youngster will be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer arrives, Akpom may have to wait for Middlesbrough to bring in a replacement first.
Patience, as they say, is a virtue.
Nottingham Forest and QPR eye Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom
“At the moment we’ve only got (Akpom) and Uche,” Warnock explains.
“I think everybody knows if the right offer comes in we’d consider that but at the same time we’re still looking at other forwards.
“We need another couple of strikers.”
25-year-old Akpom joined Middlesbrough in a £3 million deal from Greek side PAOK last summer but managed just five goals in the Championship.
Half of his 38 appearances came from the bench.
So it seems fanciful to suggest, having scored a grand total of 36 goals in more than 200 senior appearances at club level, Akpom would solve Forest’s striker problems.
Chris Hughton’s side were the joint-lowest scorers in the Championship last season and Ethan Horvath, the club’s only summer signing, is hardly likely to help in that regard.
After all, the USA international is paid to keep goals out rather than score them himself.
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