'Reports link Boro to £20million rated Championship striker'

Middlesbrough FC have been linked with a move for the Brentford striker.

Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town are amongst the clubs interested in the signing of Brentford's striker Neal Maupay according to reports.

The Frenchman has scored 16 goals for The Bees this season, shining in a relatively poor campaign for the West London club.

However, if Boro are to prize the 22-year-old away from Brentford, they would have to match the clubs valuation of £20 million.

This figure is likely to put off Boro making a move for the striker, a fee in which would break their current transfer record of £15 million set by Britt Assombalonga’s move to the Riverside Stadium from Nottingham Forest.

Tony Pulis has reiterated his approach to brining in new faces to Middlesbrough, stating that Boro won't be splashing the cash as in previous windows.

"Reality has to click in"

When asked about the January transfer window, Tony Pulis said "reality has to click in."

"I was absolutely astonished at the amount of money Steve has spent over the years, especially last year, and some of the wages that some of the players are on."

"Everyone understands that we need to address certain areas but it is not just ins, it is players going out that is important."

"I won’t bring people in who are just coming here for the money and not for the real reason, and that is to work hard for what is a very good football club."