According to the Mirror’s live transfer blog (24/01, 11:15), Middlesbrough are eyeing a move for Charlie Wyke, with Tony Pulis viewing the Bradford City man as a striker who can improve his side’s frontline.
Pulis has identified Wyke as a potential transfer target for Boro this month, as he looks to put a fresh twist on the squad he inherited from Garry Monk at the Riverside Stadium.
The 25-year-old has impressed in the lower leagues since Boro released him earlier in his career, with his spells at Carlisle United and Bradford particularly prolific.
Wyke bagged 32 league goals in 77 appearances for Carlisle, before making the switch to Valley Parade last January, where the striker has continued to impress in Sky Bet League One.
So far during his time as a Bantam, Wyke has 20 goals across all competitions, including 12 in League One this season, as Stuart McCall’s side once again go in search of play-off football.
McCall values Wyke around the £5m mark, with Boro amongst a number of Championship clubs interested in securing his signature this month.
Boro spent huge amounts of money strengthening their strikeforce during the summer, with Britt Assombalonga, a £15m arrival from Nottingham Forest, the only one to reach double figures after 28 fixtures.
The Verdict
Wyke has impressed in League One, particularly since his move to Bradford, where he is spearheading yet another promotion push.
However, as is the risk with most clubs in League One, the Championship clubs can often lure player away.
Whether Wyke is what Boro’s attack needs is certainly up for debate, but Pulis is looking to put his own twist on the squad he inherited and the 25-year-old is certainly a player that would suit Pulis’ style of play.
Middlesbrough and Bradford City fans… Let us know your thoughts!