According to a report in the Daily Record, Middlesbrough sent scouts to watch Aberdeen’s Sam Cosgrove with Derby County and Stoke City also keen on the player.
Aberdeen faced Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers at Pottidrie on Wednesday.
The game ended 2-2, with the hosts coming from 2-0 down to rescue a point.
While Cosgrove didn’t get on the score-sheet, he was a constant menace for the Rangers defence. Standing at 6ft 2inch, the physical striker is quite a handful.
Middlesbrough are in desperate need of some extra firepower. The Teesside club are the lowest goal scorers with just 16 goals in 19 Championship games this season.
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Boro’s woes in the final third see Jonathan Woodgate’s side languishing down in 20th position in the Championship table, one point ahead of the relegation zone.
Stoke, meanwhile, are 23rd after a disastrous start. Michael O’Neill has since replaced the sacked Nathan Jones, and the Potters will look to strengthen in January.
Cosgrove has scored 18 goals already for the Dons this season. He looks on course to be the first 30-goal-a-season striker at Pittodrie since the late 1970s.
It is some turnaround from the 24-year-old once released by Everton. Two years ago he was struggling at Carlisle United, now he appears ready for a big move.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes recently told reporters Cosgrove will be sold if the right fee arrives. The Scottish club reportedly value the striker at £4 million.
Derby are also said to be keen on him. However, the Rams may have to make room first, with Chris Martin, Martyn Waghorn, Jack Marriott and January signing Wayne Rooney for options.
Rams boss Phillip Cocu may be better off strengthening elsewhere in January.
Also see: League rival comments on reports suggesting he could join Derby for free
Also see: Reported Derby, Blackburn + Woodgate target makes transfer plea; wants big club move