Sheffield United and Middlesbrough FC 'eyeing' 21-goal marksman Daniel Karlsbakk
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough are reportedly eyeing Sarpsborg 08 star Daniel Karlsbakk.
The 22-year-old has been making waves in his native Norway having returned from Dutch side SC Heerenveen last year.
He has weighed in with 21 goals across 33 appearances for Sarpsborg, sending his stock soaring.
A former Norway youth international, the 6ft 5in frontman is now said to be in the sights of English clubs.
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough linked with frontman
According to SportsBoom, Karlsbakk has been identified as a top transfer target by Middlesbrough.
Sheffield United are also said to be keen, with both clubs thought to have been tracking his progress since January.
While no offers are believed to have been tabled, the Yorkshire outfits could potentially make a move when the summer transfer window opens.
Sarpsborg reportedly want to keep Karlsbakk, although a summer exit could be forced by the tabling of a substantial offer.
It has been claimed the club are holding out for a fee in the region of €8m (£7m) and €10m (£8.7m).
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough could reportedly meet this asking price, although the former will be without parachute payments next term if they miss out on promotion.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are second in the Championship table and may be able to offer Premier League football.
Sheffield United’s financial challenge
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post about Sheffield United’s financial situation earlier this month, the club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said: "If we don't get promoted, it'll be the first time in eight years that we are really a Championship club.
“We've either been in the Premier League or a Championship club with parachute payments.
"In the last seven or eight years, we've never had to worry about breaching those rules. We've never been the highest payers in the Championship and we're always one of the lowest in the Premier League but still, there will need to be an adjustment for us."