Middlesbrough still has a chance of finishing in the top two, but they are aware that a defeat at Ipswich on Sunday will virtually destroy that ambition.

In any case, Boro may still advance through the play-offs, and despite recent struggles, Kim Hellberg’s team will remain confident that they can defeat anybody they meet in those high-pressure games.

Obviously, the uncertainty about which division Boro will play in next season can have an impact on the recruitment staff, which will undoubtedly have two lists of objectives depending on whether the club is in the Premier League or the Championship.

Middlesbrough asked to replace Sol Brynn this summer.

Nonetheless, some transfers will be made nonetheless, and one player who is under fire from fans is Sol Brynn.

The local guy has been with Boro since he was a child, and after a series of loan periods, he has established himself as the club’s number one this season.

Brynn has clearly contributed to Middlesbrough’s current position, preserving 12 clean sheets so far this season and making some key stops.

However, like all keepers, he has made mistakes, and the stopper appears to have battled especially in the last month as Boro’s automatic promotion push has weakened.

That has sparked criticism from fans, and when asked by FLW whether Brynn should be upgraded in the summer window, Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day made it clear that he believes a new keeper is essential, sharing three prospective names for the team to consider.

“I believe that finding a new goalkeeper should be a top priority. I understand Brynn is a local, and he deserves some recognition. Saying he’s been fine is the nicest way to describe his season. He cost us points. If you have a better keeper, you can win games that we have lost or drawn this season, so it must be a priority.

“We might consider getting Brynn a loan so he isn’t just sitting on the bench doing nothing. He’s still young, so he has time to develop into a capable goalkeeper, but I’ve been really unhappy with him, particularly in the second half of the season.

“When it comes to keepers, we should look at Sam Tickle and Pierce Charles. They are young goalkeepers, but they have played a lot of games for their age, and both are impressive.

“Or consider someone like Viktor Johansson at Stoke, who is about to enter the final year of his contract. We don’t give up many opportunities, so we don’t need a world-beater, though you’d want one if you can get one, like Carl Rushworth at Coventry, who has done an excellent job. But we obviously need a new goalkeeper, and that should be one of our top objectives.”

Middlesbrough’s concerns are evident heading into the summer window.

To begin, Middlesbrough are still in the promotion fight, and despite their recent performance, they will believe they have the quality and talent to advance.

But, regardless of whether they make the Premier League or not, it has been clear for some time that Boro has to strengthen in the summer, and that is at both ends of the pitch.

Boro generally outperform their opponents at this level, but, much to Hellberg’s dismay, they lack a clinical striker to convert those opportunities. So, a new number nine must be introduced.

Similarly, despite their domination, they concede far too frequently, especially considering how few clear chances they give up. Unfortunately, some of this is on Brynn, who has made multiple mistakes and isn’t the reassuring presence Boro would like in goal.

As previously stated, it is way too early to write him off given his age, and he has had some significant moments this season.

However, he has lacked the consistency that Middlesbrough require from their number one, and it would be unsurprising if a new keeper arrived in the summer window, whether the Teesside club progressed or not.