Middlesbrough are holding talks with Marcus Bent over a deal to bring the Birmingham striker back to the club.
Strachan in need of a striker for cup tie
Middlesbrough are holding talks with Marcus Bent over a deal to bring the Birmingham City striker back to the club.
Bent has completed a two-month loan stint at The Riverside, during which time he failed to score in seven Championship appearances.
He is wanted back on Teesside as Boro boss Gordon Strachan seeks to secure a striker in time for Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City.
Leroy Lita is suspended for the game, Jeremie Aliadiere is injured and Dave Kitson has returned to Stoke City following his loan spell.
Strachan confirmed discussions are ongoing with Bent after admitting he does not currently have an out-and-out front man for the cup clash.
He said: "Dave was only going to be here for six weeks and I am still speaking to Marcus right now.
"Jeremie (Aliadiere) is injured, Leroy - you know about Leroy - and that's it. The strikers have gone from the equation at the moment."
