Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is keen on a reunion with Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford.
The Evening Gazette says Karanka has made no secret of his admiration for Bamford, who had a glittering loan spell at the Riverside Stadium last season.
The 22-year-old, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, has barely featured for the Eagles and a number of Premier League and Championship clubs are interested in the England U21 international.
Karanka recently said the “door was always open" to Bamford, but Boro understand they could be beaten to his signature by higher-ranked clubs.