Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Boro and Nottingham Forest linked with striker plus Britt Assombalonga reports

Boro have already brought in attacking duo Patrick Roberts and Lukas Nmecha on loan from Manchester City, while other targets are also being tracked.

The latest name to be linked with a move to Teesside is Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, a player who has fallen down the pecking order at Bramall Lane.

According to Sky Sports, both Boro and Nottingham Forest have inquired about the 33-year-old who has made just one Premier League start this season.

The report claims that Sharp’s potential arrival at the Riverside could allow Britt Assombalonga to leave the club.

Boro’s top scorer has been out with an ankle injury for nearly a month, yet head coach Jonathan Woodgate has insisted the issue is genuine.

“Britt hasn’t been pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes so believe me on that one,” said the Boro boss.

“He’s actually tried to train five times and has struggled with it.”

Assombalonga’s absence will inevitably lead to speculation, though, with TeamTalk claiming Aston Villa are lining up a double deal for the striker and goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

If Villa are interested in the duo they will probably be left empty handed, with Randolph expected to re-join West Ham this month.

It’s been reported the Hammers have agreed a £4million fee for the keeper who signed for Boro in 2017.