Middlesbrough step-up striker pursuit ahead of Bournemouth clash as ex-Arsenal man is linked

The 24-year-old left North London permanently to join Greek side PAOK in 2018 and has scored 18 goals in 79 appearances since then.

Akpom led the line during PAOK’s shock 2-1 Champions League win over Benfica on Tuesday night, and the Greek club are now just one match away from reaching the competition’s group stages.

Yet according to Greek website OnSports, PAOK are reportedly willing to let Akpom go, with claims a £2.8million fee has been agreed with Boro.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said on Monday he still wants to sign two more strikers before the end of the transfer window, while revealing Boro are in advanced talks with his No.1 target.

"I think the lad is looking forward to it,” said Warnock earlier this week. “It's just a matter of ironing things out when they (his club) are going to agree to let him go. They've had some games.

"We're still optimistic. Neil has been working on it every day for the last three weeks, so it would be a blow if we didn't get him."

“If Boro can get a deal for Akpom over the line, they'll then turn their attention to signing another striker on loan.”

Any new signings would have to be made before 12 noon on Friday for them to be available for Saturday’s Championship match against Bournemouth at the Riverside (3pm kick-off).

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.