Middlesbrough and Newcastle United are battling for Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

The News of the World says the Scotland international will become a free agent this week after seeing out his contract at Ibrox.

Boyd's availability has alerted both Toon boss Chris Hughton and Boro chief Gordon Strachan.

Both managers need an experienced hitman and the 26-year-old forward has bagged an impressive 101 league goals in 143 starts for Gers.

Hughton will offer Boyd the chance to star in the Premier League and Strachan, who failed in a January bid, believes Boro are 12 months from a top-flight return.