Middlesbrough are eyeing Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.

The Sun says Boro boss Garry Monk wants a striker to lead their promotion charge and is battling Burnley for Nottingham Forest's £15 million-rated Britt Assombalonga.

But should Boro fail to land the City Ground ace, they are prepared to make a move for Gayle.

The Toon's 23-goal top scorer last term is unlikely to start this season as the main St James' Park striker if Rafa Benitez gets his way.

And Boro could test Rafa's resolve with a bid for the man Newcastle signed from Crystal Palace for £10 million last summer.