Middlesbrough are prepared to move on to alternative targets if they are unable to get a reasonable deal for Groningen forward Jorgen Strand Larsen over the line, according to an update from the Northern Echo.

Chris Wilder's side are in desperate need of improving their forward area even after the arrival of Marcus Forss - and have the funds to do so with Djed Spence and Marcus Tavernier being sold this summer.

However, the two sides are reportedly £4m apart in their respective valuations of the Norwegian, with Boro submitting a sizeable £8m but the Dutch club wanting £12m for their star man's services instead.

 

 

The English side look set to be boosted by the arrival of Matthew Hoppe with the American set to seal a move to the Riverside from Mallorca - but Wilder may want at least one more forward on top of that with Andraz Sporar, Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun all returning to their parent clubs following the end of last season.

As well as this, Uche Ikpeazu has been told to find a new club and the same message was given to Chuba Akpom earlier in the summer, who could potentially move on despite being reintegrated into the Teesside outfit's first team.

Despite their desperate need to add more attacking firepower to their squad following departures in recent months, Boro may not cough up the £12m needed and could potentially move on to other targets if Groningen fail to change their current stance on the forward.

The Verdict:

This is a sensible move from Boro because although they have generated plenty of money from Spence and Tavernier's sales, they need to be wary about the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules.

A breach of these rules could provide them with a huge setback in their quest to get to the top flight, with league rivals Reading currently feeling the full force of the sanctions they have ended up with.

There are other areas that Boro need to address before the transfer window closes, with another centre-back potentially ideal as well as a replacement for Tavernier and further options in midfield with more depth needed.

Currently having Duncan Watmore, Akpom, Josh Coburn and Forss at their disposal, Hoppe and another one or two forwards may allow Wilder to offload Akpom and send Coburn out on loan.

At least four or five options would be ideal for the former Sheffield United boss considering he wants to play two up top, so spending £12m on one player doesn't make sense at this stage with other players to bring in too.