Middlesbrough re-ignite transfer interest in 25-goal David Strelec - £9m bid was turned down in January | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are eyeing a move for David Strelec before the window closes on 1 September

Middlesbrough are set to compete with Celtic for the possible signing of Dávid Strelec from Slovan Bratislava.

According to Slovakian outlet Sport, the Championship side are still interested in the addition of the 24-year-old as we approach the final weeks of the summer window.

Boro are keen to bolster their attacking options as they eye a push for promotion to the Premier League under Rob Edwards.

Strelec previously turned down an opportunity to move to British football back in January, but could now make that switch before the September 1 deadline.

Middlesbrough reignite Dávid Strelec interest after January transfer snub

Middlesbrough have been offered encouragement in their pursuit of Strelec, with his father clarifying that elimination from Champions League qualification has caused a rethink on his future with the Slovakian club.

He has hinted that a change could be in the offing this summer, naming Boro and Celtic as two clubs that have shown an interest in the 24-year-old.

“The situation was different while Slovan Bratislava was still playing for the Champions League,” said the forward’s father, via Sport.

“They wanted to keep him. Now it could be different.

“As far as I know, several clubs are still interested, including Celtic and Middlesbrough.

“We know that both clubs have made offers in the past.”

It has been claimed that Middlesbrough made an offer in January worth £9 million, which was also matched by Scottish giants Celtic, but Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava refused to sell the forward, who went on to score 25 times in all competitions in 2024-25.

Middlesbrough have made five signings so far this summer, including the loan addition of Sverre Nypan from Manchester City, and there may be the budget to do even more.

Edwards has also overseen the arrivals of Sontje Hansen, Abdoulaye Kanté, Alfie Jones and Callum Brittain, with more set to come through the door in the final two weeks of the transfer window.

David Strelec signing has potential to be a game-changer for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have the likes of Tommy Conway and Marcus Forss to choose from to lead the line, so additional firepower coming in before the deadline makes sense, with the latter not really firing in recent times for the Teessiders.

Conway is an exciting talent, but Forss has struggled to really show that he can consistently be an attacking threat in the final third at this level.

Bringing in Strelec would be an exciting option given the experience he’s gained playing in European football with Slovan Bratislava - any striker who scores 25 in a season has to have something about them.

If Boro can get a deal over the line this summer, then it’s a move that could be what the team needs to push on and aid their fight for promotion to the Premier League - they've started with promise in 2025-26, but Boro do need more to be competitive over a 46-match campaign.