Middlesbrough are interested in signing Lyle Taylor on a free transfer when his contract expires with Charlton Athletic in the summer.

The striker has been a key player for the Addicks over the years, scoring 22 goals to help them to promotion in the previous campaign. And, whilst injuries have restricted his impact this season, Taylor has still managed 11 in 22 in the Championship, despite Charlton's struggles.

Therefore, he is a man in-demand and it seems highly likely that he will leave The Valley in the summer, particularly given the off-field uncertainty that has engulfed the Londoners in recent weeks.

It appears that there is plenty of interest in Taylor too, with TEAMtalk claiming the Teesside outfit will rival the likes of Burnley, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth for the player, whilst Stoke and Preston are also monitoring the player as well.

Obviously, Boro would have a a battle to convince the 30-year-old to come to the Riverside if the top-flight interest is genuine but it appears that signing a striker will be a priority for Jonathan Woodgate as his side are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season.

The verdict

This would be a fantastic addition for Boro if they could pull it off as Taylor has shown this season that he can star at this level and he does a lot of good work off the ball.

Of course, it's going to be a long shot to get him to sign if he has offers from the Premier League but the fans should be pleased that the club are trying to show ambition.

Ultimately though, it's clear they need at least one new striker and they need to have a list of options for the summer.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.