Middlesbrough have now burst into the race to sign a Bundesliga midfielder for Kim Hellberg, launching opening contact ahead of the summer.
After three games without a win in the Championship, there won't have been more relieved teams than Middlesbrough to welcome the international break. The promotion contenders have had the automatic spots taken out of their hands now that they sit just two points above Ipswich Town, who have a game in hand.
It's a major blow for a side that looked likely to overtake Coventry City at the top of the Championship not so long ago, but that is the harsh reality of England's second tier.
Middlesbrough remaining fixtures
Middlesbrough vs Millwall
Swansea vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough vs Portsmouth
Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday
Middlesbrough vs Watford
Wrexham vs Middlesbrough
It doesn't get much easier for Boro after the international break, either. Defeat against Millwall could see them drop as low as fourth if other results also fail to go their way. Meanwhile, they've also still got to travel to Portman Road and to Wrexham on the final day.
Hellberg will be well aware of the challenge ahead, however, and he called for "balance" as his side prepare for a frantic promotion run-in.
The 38-year-old told reporters: "From different positions you have different options of what you might do and it always comes down to the player's quality in terms of using the first, second, or third option.
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match Related
Middlesbrough now burst into race to sign speedster ahead of Championship promotion rivals
Boro have joined the race for a forward.
"And different spaces means different players need to be in different spaces. I think it's the best way. If the players feel they are free, it's very, very good.
"But still, from us, it's a lot of structure in that freedom in terms of how we work. You want to find that balance and make them think and feel free in that structure."
This recent run of form has also raised questions about reinforcements and reports are now claiming that Middlesbrough already have one option in their sights.
According to Sky Germany, as relayed by Sport Witness, Middlesbrough have now launched contact to sign Robin Fellhauer from Augsburg this summer - attempting to jump ahead of Burnley in the process, who previously made enquiries.
robin-fellhauer-augsburg
With Hayden Hackney constantly on the radar of Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, Boro have set their sights on Fellhauer, who could replace their star man.
25/26 Stats Hackney Fellhauer
Minutes 3,314 2,230
Recoveries 205 98
Tackles 68 52
Duel Success 47% 55.3%
Chances Created 83 23
In terms of an all-round midfielder, it would be near impossible for Middlesbrough to replace Hackney with one player alone. Signing Fellhauer would only have to be the start.
The German's ability to play in defensive midfield, at centre-back and at right-back also makes him an attractive option. Whilst he wouldn't make up for Hackney's recovery skills or chance creation, he would be an excellent option to turn to for depth in several areas.