The January transfer window is nearly here and for Middlesbrough it could be a busy old month.

Performances at the Riverside Stadium have been far from good enough meaning that the Teessiders could find themselves in a relegation battle as the season unfolds.

Jonathan Woodgate has already hinted at entering the transfer market for potential additions, with efforts being doubled over recent weeks to ensure that targets are identified and pursued.

According to reports in the Daily Record, one of those targets is Sam Cosgrove.

The Aberdeen striker has scored 18 times so far this term, alerting the likes of Stoke City and Derby County to his talents.

The report claims that Middlesbrough assistant manager Robbie Keane made the trip to Pittodrie on Wednesday night to watch the striker as they took on Rangers.

While Cosgrove didn't get on the scoresheet, his record so far this term surely does the talking as Middlesbrough look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.

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The verdict

Moving to bolster their attack is certainly a wise choice for Middlesbrough.

The club have been over reliant on players such as Britt Assombalonga so far this term, and with injuries starting to bite it's crucial that the Teessiders add some depth to their squad.

Sam Cosgrove is a real talent, and if Middlesbrough can snap up the striker then it will be a huge boost.