Sources: Middlesbrough open talks to sign Sheffield United star Burke
Middlesbrough have opened talks to sign Sheffield United star Oliver Burke, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
The north-east outfit have turned their attention to the versatile forward, 24, as they look to strengthen their attack by Tuesday’s cut-off.
A Boro source has told Football Insider that discussions are underway with rivals United over a deal for Burke.
The Bramall Lane outfit are willing to listen to offers for the former Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Celtic and RB Leipzig ace.
Burke, who signed from West Brom just last summer, has two years remaining on his Brammall Lane deal.
The 13-time Scotland international has intense competition for a forward berth at the club.
Billy Sharp, Rhian Brewster, Oli McBurnie, David McGoldrick, Lys Mousset and Daniel Jebbison are all jostling for position up front.
Burke featured 25 times for United in the top-flight last season and has started twice for United in the current campaign.
The Blades added to their garrison for the first time this summer with the loan capture of Ben Davies last week.
But they are yet to strengthen in the attacking positions despite a winless start to their Championship campaign.
They have picked up just one point during Slavisa Jokanovic's opening four matches at the helm.
Middlesbrough by contrast have enjoyed a steady start to the season and have gone all-out in the transfer market.
If signed, Burke would be their tenth addition of the window.
The headline arrival has been Argentine midfielder Martin Payero who joined from Banfield in a reported £6million deal.
And this site revealed on 19 August that they are one of three second-tier sides chasing Watford marksman Andre Gray.