Middlesbrough have offered £9million plus striker Kike for Fulham’s Ross McCormack.
McCormack has scored 17 goals this season and Championship promotion chasers Boro want a player who can help gain them an edge in their bid to reach the Premier League.
He cost Fulham £11m from Leeds in 2014. Fulham have rebuffed Boro’s approaches so far including a previous £8m offer.
They are just four points above the relegation zone and are under transfer embargo which means they are only able to bring in players on loan.
Middlesbrough, though, are two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, and are favourites to secure promotion to the top flight come May.
Head coach Aitor Karanka has refused to comment on possible offers.
