Middlesbrough push to land “Very Exciting” £9m striker after 18-goals last season

Middlesbrough have reportedly made a striker who netted 18 league goals last season their primary target ahead of the summer transfer window, with the club keen to strengthen their attack.

Although Boro were frustrated by a 0-0 draw at home to Oxford United, they remain well placed in the Championship promotion race, sitting second and six points clear of Millwall in third. If Kim Hellberg’s side do secure a return to the Premier League, reinforcements up front may be required.

Tommy Conway has managed seven league goals this term, while the team’s lack of clinical edge was evident at the Riverside, where they posted an xG of 2.33 to Oxford’s 0.82 but failed to convert key chances, including opportunities for Conway and Callum Brittain.

David Strelec has also found goals hard to come by, scoring just three times in the league, prompting the club to step up their search for a new centre-forward.

According to Sports Boom, Middlesbrough are targeting Sarpsborg 08 forward Daniel Karlsbakk and have identified him as their top attacking priority. The Norwegian club are believed to want between €8m and €10m (£7m–£9m) for the 22-year-old, who is admired for his pace, energy, strength and relentless work-rate.

Sheffield United are also said to be interested, and there is an expectation that Karlsbakk could leave this summer, with both Championship sides prepared to meet Sarpsborg’s valuation.

Sarpsborg sporting director Hampus Andersson previously described Karlsbakk as a “very exciting” addition, praising his speed, physicality and how well he complements the squad.

The striker enjoyed a superb first season in Norway, finishing as the Eliteserien’s top scorer with 18 goals, in addition to contributing three goals and two assists in five NM-Cup appearances.

However, his earlier spell in the Netherlands with Heerenveen was less productive, yielding just two goals in 39 appearances, which raises questions about whether he would be ready for Premier League football if Boro win promotion.

As a result, signing a more experienced forward alongside Karlsbakk could be a sensible approach, though the Sarpsborg man may still represent an exciting gamble for the Teessiders.