Middlesbrough could be set to step up their transfer efforts after making contact with Sammy Ameobi.

Football Insider have reported that the Teessiders have opened talks with the player's representatives over a potential summer move following the expiration of his contract with Nottingham Forest.

The 29-year-old would certainly fill a problem position for Neil Warnock as he looks for attacking talent to come in and hit the ground running, but what else would Ameobi offer Middlesbrough if he was to join?

We take a look at the qualities that he could bring to the Riverside Stadium.

Pace

A quality that Middlesbrough are really lacking.

Other than Yannick Bolasie during his loan spell last term, Middlesbrough haven't had anyone with genuine, raw pace since Adama Traore left for Wolves a couple of years back.

If Sammy Ameobi was to join the club then there's no doubt that he would give the squad a real physical edge.

Versatility

A valuable trait in today's game.

Sammy Ameobi is a player who is most comfortable coming off the left wing but the 29-year-old also has plenty of experience from the right wing and even as an out-and-out striker.

Given that Neil Warnock likes to operated with a tight-knit group there's no doubt that this could be a real benefit for the club.

An eye for goal

This could be really handy.

Middlesbrough just haven't scored enough goals in recent years and next term they're going to need everybody to chip in if the club are to push for the play-off spots.

Sammy Ameobi is far from prolific but if he can chip in with a handful of goals in a season then it could really ease the burden on the club's attackers.