Ex-Sunderland striker linked with shock move plus Ipswich's stance on reported Cats and Portsmouth target

The 22-year-old has two years left on his contract at French club Bordeaux after scoring three goals in 15 Premier League appearances during a loan spell at Fulham last season.

According to The Daily Mirror, Boro are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Teesside this summer.

Boro boss Neil Warnock is said to be a fan of Maja and tried to sign him from Sunderland when he was manager at Cardiff.

Bordeaux would have to significantly lower their asking price for the move to be completed though.

Fulham had a £9million option to buy Maja at the end of last season but turned the opportunity down.

Ipswich yet to negotiate with Crewe

Elsewhere, reports from Ipswich have claimed the Tractor Boys have not entered any negotiations to try and sign Crewe winger Owen Dale.

The 22-year-old has been linked with several League One clubs this summer, including Sunderland, Ipswich and Wycombe, while Championship sides Preston and Blackburn have also been credited with interest.

The Sun on Sunday had reported that Portsmouth were also keen on Dale, while the player was too expensive for Ipswich and Wycombe.

Yet according to The East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich have not entered into any negotiations to try and sign Dale.

The same report claims Dale is just one player on a long list of potential targets at Portman Road, and that agents are overplaying Ipswich's financial clout and interest in certain players to try and drive up prices.

Queen of the South boss impressed by Connelly

Finally, Queen of the South boss Allan Johnston says he’s pleased with the club’s transfer business so far, including the capture of Lee Connelly from Sunderland.

The 21-year-old forward was released by the Black Cats at the end of last season following a loan spell at Scottish League One club Alloa.

“Lee is a young player who has loads of energy,” said Johnston.

"He is highly thought of and has shown up well in training so far. Having spent last season with Alloa he knows what to expect in the Scottish Championship so we hope he can hit the ground running.”

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