Premier League trio Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton are all watching Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom, a report from The Daily Mail has claimed.

Akpom initially joined 'Boro from Greek side PAOK back in the summer of 2020, but endured a difficult debut campaign at the Riverside Stadium, scoring just five goals in 40 appearances.

That saw him loaned back to PAOK for the 2021/22 campaign, but the striker has flourished since his return to 'Boro for the 2022/23 season.

The 27-year-old is the Championship's joint top scorer this season, having found the net 12 times in 18 games, to help his side climb eighth in the table under new boss Michael Carrick.

Now it seems as though that form is starting to attract plenty of attention from the Premier League, with the January window now open.

According to this latest update, Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton are all monitoring Akpom, as they look to boost their attacking options for the second half of the season.

As things stand, Akpom's contract with Middlesbrough is set to expire in the summer, although the Championship club do have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months.

The Verdict

It is no surprise that these clubs are starting to take an interest in Akpom.

All three have been short on goals in the Premier League this season, and in the case of Everton and Southampton especially, need some extra firepower if they are to retain their top-flight status.

As a result, the form of the Middlesbrough man does make him an attractive prospect, especially given his contract situation could make him an affordable target as well.

However, given this is the first time the 27-year-old has really enjoyed a particularly prolific campaign, you wonder whether it could be a risk for these sides to rely on him as a source of goals.