'Crystal Palace to sign Boro striker in January swap deal'

If the deal goes through, Middlesbrough FC will see the arrival of former Sunderland striker Connor Wickham as a part of swap deal.

According to a report from Team Talk, Middlesbrough FC are hoping to sign Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham in the January transfer window. The report further claims that Boro are willing to include Britt Assombalonga as a makeshift in the proposed deal.

Having faced a multitude of injury problems in 2018, Wickham has been able to make just one appearance for the Eagles this season. In addition to his injury woes, the lack of goals for Crystal Palace might force them to sell Wickham and bring in a new striker.

So far in 19 Premier League games this season, Crystal Palace have scored 17 goals. To put this into perspective, only two teams – both of whom are in relegation places – have found the back of the net fewer times than them.

Another factor which might allow Crystal Palace to cope with the departure of Wickham is the potential return from injury of Belgian striker Christian Benteke.

The striker, who picked up an injury while on international duty in September, underwent surgery in October with reports claiming that he is set to make a comeback from injury next month.

Also, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andres Townsend stepping up their game in recent weeks, playing time would be limited for Wickham should he stay at the Selhurst Park beyond January.

Boro need a new striker

While no team in the top half of Championship have conceded less than Boro’s 17 goals this season, only four teams have scored less than the 25 goals that Boro have managed this season.

Therefore, with the race for promotion heating up and with just 5 points separating Middlesbrough from 11th placed Stoke City, the arrival of a new striker at the club would be much welcomed.