Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite is wanted by Gus Poyet at Bordeaux.
The French side, who have also asked about Diafra Sakho at West Ham, have suggested a loan deal with a £7million option to buy.
The 26-year-old has scored six goals this season.
Middlesbrough have seen three players leave so far this window and have recruited only one replacement.
Adam Forshaw has made a permanent move to Leeds while Connor Ripley and Connor Roberts have gone out on loan spells.