Leyton Orient had a dismal 2025/26 season, although they avoided relegation to League Two on the final day.

Richie Wellens has made it apparent that he is dissatisfied with the players, and he is anticipated to oversee a significant overhaul of the group during the summer transfer window.

While the O’s underperformed as a whole, it’s fair to say that one individual stood out last season: forward Dom Ballard scored 23 goals in 40 games, making him the best scorer in the third division.

Naturally, such form piqued the interest of higher-level EFL clubs, and while Ballard has only been at Orient for a year, a summer departure appears imminent.

Bristol City have made an offer for the former Southampton player, but two bids have been refused by Leyton Orient, who are obviously determined to secure a high price for their star player.

It appears that the Robins will not make another bid, as reports say that they are now considering Exeter City’s Jayden Wareham as an alternative to Ballard.

But it doesn’t mean the player will stay with Orient, and here we look at TWO clubs who need to step in to make a deal for the attacker…

Middlesbrough

Many commentators feel that Middlesbrough’s failure to earn promotion was down to one factor: they lacked a prolific goalscorer in their squad.

After Kim Hellberg replaced Rob Edwards, there was a lot of uncertainty around Borough, but the Swede swiftly established a beautiful style of play that made the Teesside club a great watch.

However, they dropped far too many points in games where their domination did not produce in goals, ultimately costing them a top-two finish.

Boro’s failure to acquire a striker in January was costly, and it is something they must address this window. While there will be doubts about Ballard because he has never played at this level before, the reality is that he can score goals.

Anyone who has seen him play for the Orioles would know his positive characteristics. He will locate space in the box, finish with a single touch, and has good mobility.

Again, he scored 23 goals for one of the division’s worse teams, so you’d expect him to embrace the opportunity to play in a Borough club that can create opportunities, and he may be the dependable finisher they need to seal the deal.

Millwall

Millwall, who finished third in the league, also made the play-offs last season, but lost to Hull over two legs.

That demonstrates the potential for another promotion challenge, but the Lions, like Middlesbrough, lack a clinical number nine.

In the previous season, Femi Azeez was the only player to reach double figures in the league, and while Millwall does spread the goals about, this is certainly not ideal.

There will be hope that Mihailo Ivanovic can recapture his best form and become a crucial player, and Josh Coburn is a good alternative at this level, but it appears that they are still missing at least one striker.

Macaulay Langstaff’s move to Salford has opened up another spot in the team, and Ballard might be the answer for Millwall, especially as he is a different profile than Ivanovic and Coburn.

The possibility of the Orient man partnering with either of the big strikers excites Neil, and he might be the prolific goalscorer they need to take the next step towards the Premier League.