Middlesbrough are being linked with a move for Udinese striker Stipe Perica, according to a story in Italian outlet Fantagazzetta

The 6ft 4in striker was once on the books of Chelsea, but following a loan move to NAC Breda he went to Italy, firstly on loan with Udinese but them making the deal permanent.

This summer he joined Frosinone on loan, but the report suggests that his parent club are looking to terminate that deal and sell him this January. Serie B side Pescara are thought to be interested in signing him, as are Tony Pulis and Boro.

The 23-year-old has not represented Croatia at senior level as yet, but he does have experience from Under 19 to Under 21 level. His career has stalled this season, he's made just a handful of starts out on loan and will surely relish a chance for a fresh start.

Is Boro the right place to do that? What are the pros and cons of a move to the Riverside? FLW look at the intricacies of the deal.

6ft 4in tall, good in the air, able to hold the ball up; have you ever heard of a player more suited to Tony Pulis in your life?

He's 100% the sort of striker Pulis likes, the sort the ball sticks to when pumped long and the sort who lays it off for the trick wide players to cut inside.

He's custom made for the Boro tactic.

He didn't play professionally in England, despite his stint at Chelsea and there has to be a question mark over whether he could settle or not.

Udinese and Italy is a very different climate to here and it might be argued the level in the Championship is as good as 70% of Serie A.

It wouldn't be an easy task to simply slot into the first team.

The cost would be low, compared to what Boro might get for Assombalonga or Martin Braithwaite, leaving a net profit to be spent elsewhere.

He move to Udinese is thought to have been for around £4m, but any move now would surely fetch less as he's not impressed entirely.

He's not a born goalscorer, having bagged eleven in his five seasons in Italy.

He got one last season and he hasn't hit double figures since leaving Zadar for Chelsea in 2013.