Boro seek Peterborough United’s attacking midfielder George Boyd

The London Road club expect Boro to make a move for their 12-goal forward this week, with Strachan desperate to bring a new face in before Saturday’s visit of QPR.

Out-of-favour Wigan midfielder Jason Koumas is also an option as the Middlesbrough manager, who hopes to land at least two new faces before the end of the month, tries to add more creativity to his ranks.

Peterborough turned down an offer of around £1.5m from an unnamed club before the January transfer window closed for their leading goalscorer.

But chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who recently appointed Jim Gannon as the club’s new manager, has accepted his captain will be sold if a suitable offer arrives.

While the transfer window closed on February 1, Middlesbrough are looking to strike a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to completing a permanent arrangement.

Boyd, 24, who moved from non-league Stevenage to Peterborough for £260,000 in 2007, is regarded as a link man between midfield and attack, but can also play on the left.

Koumas, who has been told by Wigan that he can drop down to the Championship if a move appeals, has also been informed that there is interest in him from Middlesbrough and West Brom.

Strachan is determined to find a spark after watching his side struggle to score since Adam Johnson’s departure to Manchester City on deadline day.

The manager, however, could also face a fight to retain the services of one of his prize assets come the summer.

Martin O’Neill has instructed his Aston Villa scouts to monitor Wheater’s form until the end of the season.

O’Neill was one of the topflight managers interested in signing the centre-back in July, but he found former Boro boss Gareth Southgate in no mood to cash in.

Interest in Wheater has cooled after he found it difficult to adjust to life in the Championship following the departure of Robert Huth and the constant changes to the Middlesbrough backline.

However, the arrival of Stephen McManus on loan from Celtic last month has coincided with a return to his best form, which has alerted O’Neill once again.

Wheater is in no rush to go anywhere, having indicated just last week that he wanted to stay on Teesside for at least another year – even if that means another season in the Championship.

Few could blame him if he had itchy feet, having seen Stewart Downing head to Villa and tee up a Carling Cup final date at Wembley on Sunday, while Johnson joined Champions League hopefuls City in an £8m deal on deadline day.

“When I see Stewart Downing going to Wembley or Adam Johnson being linked with England’s World Cup squad, I just feel happy for them,” said Wheater. “There is no jealousy. I am just pleased for them both.

“Stewart Downing always said he wanted to go to Wembley, and play to win things.

That was what he has always wanted and intended to do. He is planning for a cup final and hopefully I can get there with Boro – that would be twice as good, winning a cup with Boro.”

McManus, meanwhile, was overlooked for the Scotland squad yesterday, when Middlesbrough team-mate Barry Robson was included for the friendly with Czech Republic on March 3.

But new Scotland boss Craig Levein insists McManus will be given a chance at international level again, provided his form continues to improve at the Riverside.

“That’s (his omission) more to do with form more than anything,” Levein said. “He just didn’t play for the greater part of the season and then he has gone down to Middlesbrough.

I think it will do him some good to concentrate on his club football for a while.

“I’ve not shut the door on Stephen McManus at all. I’m sure he will play an important part in the squad. But I think he has had a little of a crisis in confidence with not being involved at Celtic.”