MIDDLESBROUGH are seriously interested in taking Hartlepool United's Nathan Thomas to the Riverside.

The exciting Pools winger has attracted plenty of interest from higher league clubs and is set to leave following relegation from the Football League.

His sale would generate much needed funds for Hartlepool as they work out a way to adjust their finances after the costly fall out of League Two.

And The Northern Echo understands that Thomas has now attracted serious interest from North-East neighbours Middlesbrough.

Boro have made contact with Hartlepool and are prepared to match the offers thought to have been tabled by Sheffield United and Leeds United.

Hartlepool could pull in around £300,000 initially with the potential for the deal to rise depending on add-ons.

Thomas is from Teesside and has had spells with Sunderland, Darlington, Plymouth and Mansfield before scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances for Hartlepool.

His form in the second half of the season was disappointing as he returned from three months out following groin surgery, but he was a star turn under Craig Hignett In the opening months of the campaign.

He would relish the challenge of playing for Middlesbrough and remaining in his native North-East.

And Middlesbrough, who have two games remaining in the Premier League before returning to the Championship, are the firm favourites to conclude a swift deal.