Top target: Middlesbrough determined to sign “very exciting” £9m striker, 18 league goals last season

Despite being frustrated by a 0-0 stalemate at home to Oxford United, Middlesbrough still find themselves in a commanding position in the Championship promotion race. Sitting second in the table and holding a six-point cushion over third-placed Millwall, Boro remain firmly on course for a return to the Premier League.
However, if Kim Hellberg’s men do seal promotion, strengthening the forward line could be a top priority in the summer window. Tommy Conway has managed just seven league goals this season, while David Strelec has found the net only three times in the second tier. Their lack of clinical finishing was evident at the Riverside Stadium, where Boro registered an xG of 2.33 compared to Oxford’s 0.82 but failed to convert, with both Conway and Callum Brittain guilty of missing big opportunities.
As a result, Middlesbrough have reportedly begun targeting a new striker. According to Sports Boom, the Teessiders are keen on Sarpsborg 08 forward Daniel Karlsbakk, who has emerged as their leading transfer target. The Norwegian club are said to be demanding between €8m and €10m (£7m–£9m) for the 22-year-old, whose game is built on pace, intensity, and physical strength.
Sheffield United are also believed to be monitoring the situation, and it is widely expected that Karlsbakk will depart Sarpsborg this summer, with both Championship sides prepared to meet the asking price.
Karlsbakk enjoyed a standout first season in Norway, finishing as the Eliteserien’s top scorer with 18 goals, in addition to contributing three goals and two assists in five NM Cup appearances. His earlier spell in the Netherlands was less convincing, though, as he scored just twice in 39 games for Heerenveen — a record that may prompt questions about his readiness for Premier League football if Middlesbrough do go up.
Therefore, while Karlsbakk could represent an exciting long-term investment, Boro may be wise to pair him with a more seasoned striker should they achieve promotion.