If the speculation is to be believed Boro boss Steve McClaren is set to make a swoop for reserve team striker Darius Henderson when the transfer window re-opens in January.
Alan Curbishley is also believed to be interested in signing him.
Henderson, 21, had been in fine pre-season form but found himself on the bench for the opening game of the season at Derby. He has hardly played since after suffering an ankle injury in a reserve team game against Luton.
The youngster, who scored eleven goals last season, is believed to be wanted as a partner for higly-rated Italian Massimo Maccarone, replacing Alen Boksic who is likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Last season Ipswich Town were linked with a raid for Darius, however nothing materialised.
After a match-winning performance against West Ham in pre-season boss Alan Pardew admitted that it will be tough to hold onto his young striking prodigee. The battle to keep him starts now.