Middlesbrough and Championship transfer rumours: Future in doubt for Leeds striker as Boro step up striker search

The 20-year-old frontman was linked with several Championship clubs, including Middlesbrough, over the summer before moving to Elland Road on loan.

Yet Nketiah hasn’t been a regular starter for Marcelo Bielsa’s side with former Boro striker Patrick Bamford consistently getting the nod.

And according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to recall the youngster next month due to his lack of game time.

When asked about Nketiah, Arsenal’s caretaker boss Freddie Ljungberg said: "I need to be careful but I think Eddie is a great player.

"If he goes on loan we want him to play football and get minutes otherwise they can maybe be here. We want them to be on loan to get minutes.”

If Boro do renew their interest in Nketiah they would face plenty of competition, with Championship promotion contenders Bristol City keen on the forward.

Northampton boss responds to speculation

Boro have also been linked with Northampton goalkeeper David Cornell this week, while Championship rivals Preston are also reportedly keen.

Cornell has impressed for the League Two side this season, keeping seven clean sheets in 18 appearances, and Cobblers boss Keith Curle was asked about the speculation.

"Dai Cornell has plenty of clean sheets this season and people are going to look at him,” Curle told the Northampton Chronicle.

"It wouldn't surprise me if there were lots of clubs looking at lots of our players and I think that's a good sign.

"We're not scared of it and we don't deter it. If clubs come in and show an interest directly to myself, I speak to the football club to make sure they're aware of it and then the first person I speak to is the player.”

Boro scouting Aberdeen forward

The Teessiders will also be assessing their options at the other end of the pitch in the next few weeks.

One striker who has been linked with Boro is Aberdeen frontman Sam Cosgrove and, according to the Daily Record, Boro assistant Robbie Keane watched the player during the Dons’ 2-2 draw with Rangers on Wednesday night.