Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom is attracting interest from at least five different teams, according to reports in the Nigerian media.

The former Arsenal academy graduate is being watched by Everton, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Borussia Monchengladbach and Werder Bremen ahead of the summer.

Akpom bagged another brace in Boro’s 5-0 win over Reading at the weekend, taking his total to 22 for the season. However, he is out of contract in June, and there is a danger that the 27-year-old could leave on a free when his current deal expires.

Manager Michael Carrick has reiterated his desire to tie down the former England Under 21 international to a new contract but there has been no breakthrough in talks so far.

Akpom is currently the top scorer in the Championship, with his goals at the weekend taking him four ahead of Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres, and it appears his outstanding form is grabbing the attention of a number of big clubs. Whether he will be tempted to leave the Riverside Stadium, though, we shall have to wait and see.