Saint-Etienne are hoping to offload Harold Moukoudi on a permanent basis to Middlesbrough, according to reports in France.

The Cameroon international arrived on loan before the close of the January transfer window and has already impressed Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate with his performances in training.

Moukoudi is, however, not in Saint-Etienne head coach Claude Puel’s plans for next season and the French club are looking for an offer from the Teessiders to sign the centre-back permanently in the next few months before the end of the campaign.

A bid from Middlesbrough will likely depend on how the 22-year-old performs between now and the end of the season, although the early signs have not been promising.

Moukoudi’s first two matches for Boro have not been particularly impressive. On his debut, his side conceded three goals in a 3-2 defeat to Brentford. On his second start on Tuesday night, he scored an own goal which cost his side two valuable points against Wigan.