MIDDLESBROUGH forward Matt Crooks is understood to be interesting clubs in the MLS.

Real Salt Lake, who play in the Western Conference, are known to be one of the clubs keen on the 30-year-old.

While the transfer window is now closed for most of Europe, clubs in the MLS are open for business ahead of the season getting underway later this month.

The MLS window is open until April but clubs must be roster and budget compliant before the season starts.

Crooks has played more than 100 league games since joining Boro from Rotherham in 2019. He signed a new contract last summer, which his current deal running until the end of next season.

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The forward has featured in 25 of Boro's 29 Championship games so far this season, as well as playing a central role as Michael Carrick's side made it through to the last four of the Carabao Cup, before eventually getting knocked out by Chelsea.

Crooks was signed while Neil Warnock was in charge and played as a midfielder in his first season at the club, before being moved forward by Carrick. He's been used as a No.10 and a striker by Boro's current head coach.

He missed the weekend draw with Sunderland having suffered a hip injury in training.