MIDDLESBROUGH are looking to strengthen their midfield before the end of the January transfer window, with former Leeds United man Glen Kamara one option being considered.

Kamara left Leeds for Rennes in an £8m-plus deal in the summer but doesn't feature in the plans of boss Jorge Sampaoli, who took charge in November.

The midfielder's last start for the French top flight club came in the middle of that month, and Rennes are now said to be looking to offload the 29-year-old this month.

Premier League duo Southampton and Ipswich are said to be interested, while Turkish club Trabzonspor have also been linked.

Boro are monitoring Kamara's situation and would be interested in a potential loan deal if the opportunity presented itself this month.

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But the Leeds and Rangers man isn't the only midfielder on Boro's wishlist. Other potential targets have also been closely watched in recent weeks, with Boro now weighing up their options.

Midfield is an area Boro are keen to strengthen before the end of the window, with Aidan Morris and Jonny Howson having both been sorely missed in recent weeks.

Morris is now back fit and returned from the bench in the weekend defeat at Portsmouth but it remains unclear at this stage as to when club captain Howson will be ready to return.

Boro have lacked bite in the middle of the park in the absence of Morris and Howson.