Middlesbrough striker, Britt Assombalonga has emerged as a surprise transfer target for a number of Chinese clubs according to TEAMtalk.

The 26-year-old is currently on international duty with DR Congo in the African Cup of Nations over the summer, and will be hoping to have his long-term future resolved at the earliest of opportunities.

Assombalonga made 42 appearances for Boro last season, scoring 14 league goals as they narrowly missed out on a top six finish.

Tony Pulis was dismissed shortly after the conclusion of last year’s campaign, and Jonathan Woodgate has recently been appointed as his successor.

The former England defender will be keen to assess the squad before the new season gets underway in August, and he could be tempted to cash in on Assombalonga.

The report claims that Boro are hoping to get a fee in the region of £15m for the striker though, which has seen recent interest from Fulham and Sheffield United ease.

Assombalonga has been unsettled with Middlesbrough in the past, and almost completed a move to Bristol City (according to talkSPORT) in the January transfer window, so he could he tempted by a move elsewhere in the near future.

It's set to be a potentially busy month at the Riverside, with potential departures on the cards as Woodgate looks to build a squad capable of challenging for a top six finish.

The Verdict: 

I think Boro could be tempted to cash in on him before the new Championship season gets underway.

There's no doubting that Assombalonga is an excellent striker to have in any team for the Championship in my opinion, although his asking price has seemingly put off some suitors.

His talent would be wasted in China, and it would be far too soon for him to even consider a move there, as his development would be best served in English football for the time being.