Middlesbrough FC eyeing up big Leeds United transfer deal - player stance emerges | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have set their sights on Leeds United striker Joel Piroe amid their battle for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough have set their sights on a move for Leeds United striker Joel Piroe as they look to strengthen their promotion bid.

Boro sit second in the Championship ahead of their meeting with West Brom this Friday, while the North East club enjoy the services of talented attackers such as Morgan Whittaker.

However, boss Kim Hellberg remains intent on bolstering his attacking options to help his club beat the likes of Ipswich Town and Preston North End to an automatic promotion spot.

Boro recently showed their clash when they hammered Southampton 4-0 on 4 January, but they went on to lose 3-1 to Premier League outfit Fulham in the third round of the FA Cup last time out.

Middlesbrough eye transfer swoop for Leeds United star Joel Piroe

Piroe was the top scorer in the Championship last term, notching 19 goals that spearheaded Leeds to the second-tier title.

However, the former Swansea City man has fallen down the pecking order at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke favouring summer signings Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Piroe got a rare start for Leeds in their 3-1 victory over Derby County on Sunday, in which he missed a penalty, but he has been named in Farke's starting lineup on just two occasions in the Premier League.

According to TeamTalk, Middlesbrough are keen on the ex-Swansea striker, but the report adds that he is keen to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place.

Piroe's stance could prove problematic to Middlesbrough's efforts, with the forward sure to require some serious convincing to reject the Premier League for a switch to Teesside.

Leeds United's Joel Piroe would boost Middlesbrough's promotion efforts

While Piroe is keen to stay in West Yorkshire, a move to Middlesbrough would heavily boost Hellberg's chances of guiding his club to the Premier League.

Leeds have ultimately deemed the former Netherlands youth international surplus to requirements amid their bid to survive in the top flight, coupled with Calvert-Lewin's increasingly impressive form.

However, there is no doubt that the forward would be a real asset for Boro, should Hellberg's men complete a swoop for his services.

Last season's performances prove that Piroe is a top performer at Championship level, and he was particularly impressive when he scored four goals in one game against Stoke City back in April.

While Boro benefit from the services of Whittaker, who has notched 10 goals from an attacking midfield position in the second tier this season, Hellberg needs a more clinical striker in his squad.

Former Bristol City hotshot Tommy Conway has scored just three goals in 26 Championship outings this term, while fellow forward David Strelec notched three goals in 15 league appearances before suffering an injury.

Piroe's previous exploits in the Championship prove that he would provide Boro with the cutting edge that is not currently provided by Conway.

Furthermore, the former PSV Eindhoven star can also play in attacking midfield, handing Middlesbrough the sort of versatility that could be vital in the business end of the season.