Middlesbrough have moved to trump Premiership clubs for Scunthorpe United striker Gary Hooper.

The News of the World says Boro have attempted to steal a march on Wigan, Wolves and Leeds with a £2.5million bid for sought-after Scunthorpe front man Hooper.

Hooper, with 50 goals to his name in the last two seasons, has already been shown around Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan is desperate for firepower as he seeks to lead the club back into the top flight.