Will Lankshear has been a revelation for Middlesbrough since arriving from Tottenham over the summer, establishing himself as the Championship's leading marksman.

However, while the 21-year-old's goals have helped Kim Hellberg's side emerge as serious promotion contenders, the recent struggles at the Riverside have raised questions regarding the attacking options.

And with the January transfer window approaching, Boro have an opportunity to strengthen their promotion credentials, while potentially getting one over on one of their rivals at the same time.

Will Lankshear injury has exposed Middlesbrough's attacking concerns

After spending last season on loan at Oxford, Lankshear has made a remarkable start to life in the North East, scoring 13 times in 13 appearances.

And after that run, his importance was made even clearer when a hamstring problem ruled him out of the recent clashes with Wrexham and Watford.

Heading into the international break, Boro suffered a 2-0 defeat against the former, before they were held to a goalless draw at Vicarage Road - losing top spot in the division to Birmingham in the process.

Speaking after the Watford stalemate, boss Hellberg acknowledged the difficulties of going on without Lankshear.

"It's tough when you don't have the top scorer in the league," the Swede told Sky Sports. "And there's no place to hide from that."

Kyle Joseph and David Strelec did provide alternative options, but neither of the pair was able to find a breakthrough in Lankshear's absence.

And now, the Teessiders may just have their eyes firmly placed on the January transfer window, with the recent absence of their star striker outlining a hole that needs addressing as a result of their promotion ambitions.

Ellis Simms could be an ideal option

One man who could be worth pursuing is Coventry City forward Ellis Simms, whose future at the CBS Arena may be an interesting talking point as the window approaches.

The 25-year-old scored 13 times as Frank Lampard's side ascended to the Premier League last term, but his opportunities have since become limited in the top flight, with Simms making just four league appearances and notching just 117 minutes so far.

He is also approaching the final six months of his deal, meaning that the Sky Blues may be looking to bring in a fee, instead of losing him for nothing next summer.

Simms has demonstrated his ability in the second tier, and could more than ease the pressure on Lankshear as a backup option, without requiring Hellberg to change his approach all too much.

From the player perspective too, a return to regular football could appeal to Simms if Boro can offer a role in their push for promotion.

Middlesbrough could make Wolves jealous with Simms signing

As a result of Raul Jimenez's injury, Wolves are another club who may be looking to do business in the January transfer window, and Simms' name could crop up again after previous interest in the Coventry forward.

The Old Gold were linked with the striker over the summer alongside a series of Championship clubs, before no move materialised before the end of the window in September.

Wolves were also credited with interest in Lankshear in July, with Football London's Alasdair Gold reporting that a bid had been rejected, meaning that the Black Country club would surely be frustrated to see Boro secure another player linked with a move to Molineux - especially with the two clubs battling at the top end of the division.

For Middlesbrough, a move would make complete sense after their recent struggles, and the deal may just be right for Coventry, with it looking unlikely that the forward will see significant minutes in the battle for Premier League survival.