Skysports reports that Middlesbrough are chasing French striker Olivier Giroud. The FC Tours frontman has been in very good form this season and is being chased by a number of clubs from within France, with Monaco, Paris St Germain, Lille and Auxerre all said to be monitoring the 23 year olds progress.

Dr Thorleif Schonfeld, head of TEAM consultants who represent the player, confirmed the interest from Boro.

"There is some interest, that is true yes," Schonfeld told skysports.com.

"But a lot of clubs are looking at Olivier, from France, Italy and Germany."

Schonfeld confirmed that Giroud is considered to be an 'English-type' centre-forward.

"That is my opinion, yes - he likes to hold up the ball and is good with his back to the goal," he continued.

He also confirmed that despite Boro being in the Championship, that is not seen as a major negative for the player.

"He is playing in the second division in France at the moment, but the second division in England is much different - it is just below the Premier League and is of a very high standard, so that would not be an issue," he said.

Schonfeld insisted no decision on Giroud's future had yet been taken, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

"He is out-of-contract next summer, but we do not know whether that means a move in January," he said.

"All I would say is that talks are ongoing."