Middlesbrough are reportedly chasing the signing of an Ireland U21 star.

According to Dublin Live, winger Neil Farrugia has caught the eye of Boro, who are weighing up a move for the highly-regarded 20-year-old.

Farrugia, who currently plays for UCD, is also wanted by a string of Irish sides, such as Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and champions Dundalk.

He has had English interest in the past, according to the previous report, he once went on trial with Man City's U23s, Preston North End enquired about him and he has once turned down QPR.

Middlesbrough have this morning announced Jonathan Woodgate as their manager with Robbie Keane as his number 2.

With Keane being in the Ireland coaching set up, and Farrugia being one of Ireland u21's top talents, then Keane will know all about the youngster.

The Verdict

With Farrugia being so highly rated in Dublin then Middlesbrough might as well take a punt on him.

As he plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division, then he surely won't cost Boro much.

If Boro don't find him good enough to be in and around the first team squad straight away, then a loan could always be on the cards to bring him back to Ireland, or even get some experience in the lower leagues of English football.