Middlesbrough may have identified their number one target for the January transfer window.

Reports from Football Insider revealed that the Teessiders were plotting a move for the 26-year-old after a stunning season so far, with Peterborough Today suggesting that Jonathan Woodgate's side had made an offer.

Maddison has taken League One by storm for the Posh after scoring 10 goals and getting eight assists in 20 games so far this term.

The attacking midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season but has a release clause of £2.5million which could be activated during the January transfer window.

But what would Marcus Maddison bring to Middlesbrough if he was to join? Let's take a look.

It's been quite a season for Marcus Maddison with Peterborough.

As well as helping the Posh to third in League One, the attacking midfielder has been instrumental to their form in the final third.

In 21 appearances Maddison has scored 10 goals and racked up eight assists for his teammates.

If we delve a little bit deeper, you can see why he's so effective.

Maddison has a forward pass accuracy of 48.5%, while his dribble success rate is an impressive 57.3%, showing why he's so effective in the final third.

Have a go of our International Middlesbrough quiz! Can you get 20 out of 20?

 

Perhaps the most interesting statistic, though, is his success at recovering possession in the opposition half.

The 26-year-old won 66.7% of his recoveries in the opposition's half, showing his work rate and ability to put defenders under pressure.

If Middlesbrough do make a move they'll be getting a player who isn't only effective on the ball, but works incredibly hard for the team off it.