Middlesbrough are understood to have made an enquiry for Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura.
The former Celtic winger is currently plying his trade in Spain with Espanyol - who he joined last summer.
However, Nakamura has failed to make the expected impact in La Liga.
Now Boro boss Gordon Strachan - who was in charge of Nakamura during his time at Celtic - is understood to have made an enquiry about the 31-year-old.
Espanyol are reported to be open to a deal, with Boro said to be looking at a six-month loan.
Boro winger Adam Johnson is hoping to seal a move to Manchester City before Monday's transfer window closes and Nakamura's arrival could compensate for his departure.
Nakamura could be tempted by a move to The Riverside, with the promise of first-team football ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.
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