Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has confirmed that he is hopeful of signing a striker before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Speculation has mounted that Blackburn Rovers hitman Jordan Rhodes is Boro's number one target, with Karanka said to have tabled a £12m bid last month.

Although Karanka - whose side lost the Premier League playoff to Norwich City last term - confirmed that Rhodes is a target, the Spanish boss revealed that he has a number of plan-B options.

"Jordan is an amazing player, but Jordan is not the only one on our list," Karanka is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"We know our problems last season and the previous season and it was that we didn't score enough goals to get promotion.

"We need to strengthen our squad with a striker and Jordan is one on the list but we are working in other ways."

Karanka has also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace marksman Dwight Gayle.