Middlesbrough reportedly sent scouts to watch Porto as Aitor Karanka steps up his search for added firepower to haul the Teesiders out of a Premier League relegation scrap.
According toreports in Portugal, Boro sent representatives to watch Porto's 3-0 win over Arouca, although it remains unclear as to who, specifically, they were watching.
Boro were promoted to the top tier at the end of last season but have struggled since starting strongly, picking up only three points from their last seven games.
With only seven goals from nine games, they are the second-lowest scorers in the league and Karanka is determined to add a clinical finisher to his ranks.
The club's dearth in the goals department was highlighted during the 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday when Gaston Ramirez spurned a glorious chance to strike a winner and clinch three valuable points.
Although the reports do not specify on players, it is being suggested that Porto's striking starlet Andre Silva would be an ideal solution for Boro's current predicament.
Silva, who was targeted by Premier League champions Leicester City in the summer, has been in scintillating form this season, scoring seven goals in eight outings - living up to his billing as one of Europe's most exciting talents.
I am expecting more from my attacking players but also more from everyone,� Karanka said before his side's trip to Arsenal.
We are working hard on the pitch and in my office [on planning tactics].Yes it is a concern that we are not scoring many, but I work every day in my office and the training ground on this.�
With another blank having been fired, it is only logical that Karanka has made inroads into remedying Boro's problem ahead of the January transfer window.
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