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Fulham striker Ross McCormack has handed in a transfer request in a bid to force a move before Monday's January transfer deadline, according to reports.

The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Boro this month, and reports in west London suggest the Scottish striker is desperate to leave before Monday's deadline.

McCormack - who has already scored 17 goals this term for the mid-table Cottagers - now appears to have made public his desire to leave the club before February 1.

Reports on the MailOnline this lunchtime suggest McCormack has handed in a transfer request at Fulham, off the back of the club offering him a contract which would include a non-playing role when he turns 32.

Read more Rumours from Boro's January 2016 window

But reports in the capital suggest that McCormack has 'no wish to retire from playing the game he loves at 32' - paving the way for a potential move in the coming days.

It is understood that McCormack's request has since been rejected by the Fulham hierarchy.

Boro are thought to be interested in signing the Championship hotshot should he become available for the right price, but Fulham chief Slavisa Jokanovic has continually stressed that his star striker will not be sold this month.

“There is always speculation about McCormack, but people need to understand Fulham too,” Jokanovic told Sky Sports.

"If they are serious people they see we do not need money right now, we need other things, and we are not in a situation where we have to sell our best players.

“Psychologically, I understand there is much rumour and speculation, and I understand McCormack too.

“Ross is a professional and has a family, and he is thinking about the solution and the best steps for him, I understand that.”

Aitor Karanka has refused to be drawn on the club’s reported interest in McCormack, despite being asked again following Boro’s home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.