Brighton forward Aaron Connolly is closing in on a loan move to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
Boro boss Chris Wilder wants the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international to bolster his attack as he looks to take the club from the Championship to the top flight.
Wilder has already lifted Boro to fifth place and they face Blackpool on Wednesday before taking on his former club Sheffield United on January 1.
Chairman Steve Gibson is ready to back him and Brighton striker Connolly is close to becoming their first January recruit.