MIDDLESBROUGH are hoping to tie up a deal for Belgium striker Jelle Vossen in the next 48 hours.

Boro have been tracking the striker all summer and despite having an initial bid of around £4m rejected, it is understood a fresh round of talks have been held with Genk and the player could move to the Riverside before Monday’s 11pm deadline.

The Teessiders failed to find the net in the 1-0 home defeat to Reading today, their second successive home league defeat, but Vossen could join on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

Speaking after his side’s defeat, Boro head coach Aitor Karanka said: “We are speaking with Vossen and other players because the transfer window closes on Monday.”