Boro to make Jeffers bid

Francis Jeffers is wanted by Middlesbrough, who are set to make a £7 million offer for the Arsenal striker when the transfer window re-opens in January.

The 21- year- old was signed from Everton in June last year as the "fox-in-the-box" Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger felt he needed to convert the host of chances his team were creating but failing to convert.

But Jeffers's Highbury career has been blighted by injury and he has found settling in London difficult.

He suffered a serious ankle injury against Derby in September last year and made only two Premiership starts in his first season - and four as a substitute.

He missed the start of this season after surgery in the summer but has featured in just four games and failed to make a breakthrough to play first team football on a regular basis. This has been noted by Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, who is anxious to build on his own team's impressive start to the season.

McClaren has seen Jeffers at close quarters in his capacity as England coach. Jeffers is a regular for the Under-21s and, in his last two matches, against Slovakia and Macedonia, he scored five goals.

Wenger will be reluctant to let Jeffers leave. He has never lost faith in the striker, who is blessed with electric pace and a sharp goal sense.

However, although Jeffers has never complained to Wenger about his lack of opportunity it is believed to have affected his confidence.

Middlesbrough can offer Jeffers the first-team football he craves and Wenger is unlikely to stand in his way if Arsenal find the offer acceptable.