Aitor Karanka will this week step up attempts to recruit more firepower after Middlesbrough failed to score for the fifth time in seven Premier League games.
Karanka wants a player to operate between the midfield and attack to enhance his side's creativity.
The club will pick up their pursuit of Stoke City's Bojan Krkic, who wants regular first-team football. It is hoped a £9m deal will be struck before the end of the window.
He also wants more pace on the wings.