"Middlesbrough FC keeping an eye on 20-year-old's contract situation at Sunderland"

Boro are part of a contingent of clubs keeping a close eye on the contract situation of 20-year-old Sunderland striker.

Amid rumours that Sunderland striker Josh Maja is set to reject a new contract at Sunderland, Boro have emerged as a potential destination for the 20-year-old.

Maja, who has scored 15 goals in 28 appearances this season, was given a deadline by Sunderland to make a decision on a final contract offer.

Boro were first linked with a move for the Sunderland striker in November by The Times, and have already had transfer dealings with Sunderland this season, having bought Paddy McNair in the summer transfer window for a fee of up to £5 million.

Martin Braithwaite has already left Boro, signing on loan with La Liga club CD Leganés, and Ashley Fletcher is likely to leave for Hull City. Rudy Gestede is also rumoured to be surplus to requirements at The Riverside, with the clubs attention to find promising options from the lower leagues.

Ahead of the January transfer window opening, Tony Pulis said that "everyone understands that we need to address certain areas but it is not just ins, it is players going out that is important."

"The transfer window opens in just a few days and everyone understands that we need to address certain areas but it is not just ins, it is players going out that is important."

According to Sunderland owner Stewart Donald, the contract situation between the club, player and agent is complicated. "Josh Maja update. Yesterday Josh asked to see Jack to say he will sign," Donald tweeted.

"Today I got a call from Sky TV saying he won't sign."

"Josh advised his agent has said don't sign but no courtesy to tell the club - Also we offered what the agent indicated!!!"

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Follow the latest transfer activity during the January transfer window with oneBoro.