GIVEN that Ayegbeni Yakubu's future has been a cause for concern all summer, Middlesbrough could quite easily have accepted a substantial offer for the Nigerian a long time ago.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate knew, however, the striker's goals would be difficult to replace and that is how it transpired.

The situation worsened with the departure of Mark Viduka.

And although both Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli have been drafted in, neither offer the same threat as an outand- out striker.

Southgate could argue he was not looking to bring in a player in the Viduka mould, and pre-season outings suggest one of Tuncay or Aliadiere will be playing right wing.

But that does not hide the fact that Middlesbrough remain short up front. Having failed to attract Alan Smith to the Riverside, Southgate was forced to re-assess his options last week.

If Yakubu is sold then it is even more difficult to predict how Middlesbrough will fare this season. Tallies of 19 and 16 in his two seasons on Teesside highlight his eye for goal, replacing that threat would be far from easy.

But Southgate has identified and illustrated the direction he wants Middlesbrough to head.

It is for this reason that it would be no surprise to see Yakubu leave.

For all of the African's attributes and his eye for goal, the 24-year-old does not offer the same work-rate required in Southgate's long-term plans.

The former Boro captain remains focused on changing the opinions in the stands.

After five years under Steve McClaren, the Middlesbrough fans were left feeling bored by the approach on the field and Southgate has been working hard on changing that.

Bringing in fresh, hungry players with a determination to succeed is certainly helping, although the fruits of his labour will need to be reflected quickly in results Season ticket sales have dropped to a new low since the construction of the Riverside 12 years ago; with well under 20,000 sold there is clearly a number of disgruntled fans sceptical of what lies ahead.

Southgate is determined to win back the hearts and minds of those disaffected, although given the changes to personnel during the close-season it is understandable some are reserving judgement.

A decent start and the fans could come flooding back, but the feeling of discontent will continue if Southgate's quest for change brings with it a season of struggle.