MIDDLESBROUGH have launched a number of bids for FC Groningen striker Jorgen Strand Larsen but the Dutch club hope to fend off competition and tie him down to a new contract according to the club’s technical director.

Boro, who are actively pursuing forwards in the transfer market, have targeted the Norwegian striker after a strong season in the Eredivisie and have made two bids for the six foot four inch frontman. Larsen, who is a full international at the age of 22, scored 14 goals in 32 appearances last season in the top Dutch division. Reports suggest that FC Gronigen have rejected Boro’s approach.

Larsen has also been the subject of interest from Serie A side Bologna who have also submitted bids for the striker.

FC Groningen technical director Mark-Jan Fledderus said: “We want to keep (Larsen) at Groningen and only sell for the absolute top price. To make it very clear that we don’t argue at every board. We say for this amount, you can go.

“We are trying to do everything we can to get you to still keep on board. Meanwhile, the bids from Bologna have been twice. There have also been two bids from Middlesbrough that are even more than Bologna’s.

“It makes sense that when you are a boy of 22 years, that you also like those kind of steps. That has been the conversations with them so far. We want to talk to show you that we really appreciate him. We think his role in the group is super important. He will actually missed an upgrade of what his contract deserves. That is the status at the moment.”

Boro are looking to recruit a striker after last season failed to produce a regular goalscorer with midfielder Matt Crooks ending the season as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals.

Manager Chris Wilder said that a number of deals were ‘down the line’ after their 1-1 draw with West Brom at the weekend. The hope is that the Boro boss will have new signings to choose from before this weekend’s trip to Queens Park Rangers.