Middlesbrough linked with moves for Robin van Persie and Victor Valdes

And Boro are also closing in on former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, it is understood

The newly-promoted Premier League side are in the market for a new forward and van Persie has caught their eye.

Van Persie, 32, spent last season at Fenerbahce after leaving Manchester United but the Turkish club are willing to consider offers for the striker.

The Dutch striker scored 16 goals in his debut season in the Turkish Super Lig last year having left Old Trafford after three years at the club.

His move to United from Arsenal in 2012 caused controversy and he scored 26 goals in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge as they charged to the Premier League title.

But he failed to hit those heights under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal in the next two seasons.

He had proved a huge success in a largely injury-hit eight years at Arsenal, scoring 132 goals in 277 appearances before his £24m departure.

Meanwhile, Boro have been talking over the details of a switch to Teesside for Spanish keeper Valdes.

Valdes, 34, is a free agent after his move to Manchester United ended last week.

While he has also been approached by both Turkish club Besiktas and Sporting Lisbon, talks for a move to Boro are understood to be at an advanced stage.

It is believed manager Aitor Karanka and keeping coach Leo Percovich were in Barcelona last week to speak to the keeper.

And the move has gathered momentum now with the Hurworth hierarchy in talks with Valdes’ representatives.

The keeper is a legend at Barcelona having played 535 games and amassed an incredible array of honours.