Middlesbrough step up striker search plus reported interest in Britt Assombalonga: Transfer rumours

It’s no secret that Neil Warnock’s top priority will be to sign another striker this summer – with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher both out of contract at the Riverside.

Here are some of the latest transfer rumours concerning the Teessiders:

Evans linked

According to the Sun, Warnock is hoping to snatch striker Ched Evans from Preston.

Evans joined the Lilywhites on an initial loan deal from Fleetwood in January before the move was made permanent a month later.

The 32-year-old will see his contract at Deepdale expire this summer, though, after scoring three goals in 15 Championship appearances for Preston.

It’s also been claimed in the same report that Boro are targeting 23-year-old Oxford goalkeeper Jack Stevens.

Portsmouth boss aware of goalkeeper interest

Another goalkeeper who has been linked with Boro is Portsmouth stopper Alex Bass.

According to our sister title The Portsmouth News, both Boro and Crystal Palace were interested in the 23-year-old last summer.

Bass has been Pompey’s second-choice keeper behind Craig MacGillivray this term, and is only just recovering from a leg break he suffered during an emergency loan at Southend in February.

When discussing Bass’ return to fitness and interest in the summer, Pompey boss Danny Cowley said: “When we see somebody we like, we keep an eye on them.

“There was no surprise (he was linked with Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough). He had a brilliant season last year and then had a tough start to this season.”

"The club is very lucky to have the goalkeepers we have and it's great we have so much competition. It's just a shame Alex has had a difficult season with injury.”

Assombalonga report

Finally, Bristol City have once again been credited with interest in Boro striker Britt Assombalonga.

The 28-year-old will be out of contract at the Riverside this summer and appears to have played his last game for the Teessiders.

According to Football League World, Bristol City are eyeing another move for the frontman but there is interest from elsewhere in the Championship.

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