Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has admitted that he would be open to the prospect of bringing Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford back to the club in January.

The 22-year-old lit up the Riverside Stadium last season by scoring 17 goals during his year-long stay in the North-East, earning him the Championship Player of the Year accolade.

Bamford spoke out last month about his disappointment at being given limited playing time at Crystal Palace, having joined the Eagles on a similar short-term deal in the summer with the hope of featuring regularly.

After struggling to integrate himself into the Premier League, a move back to the Smoggies until the end of the campaign is now reportedly in the pipeline.

Asked about the ongoing speculation regarding the striker, Karanka told reporters: "I think it's understandable that he is linked with us because he was really successful last season here.

"Everybody has a good relationship with him at this club. I have always said the door is open to him, I have a good relationship with him and we will try to make the best decision for everybody."

Boro already have a number of attacking players on their books, including both David Nugent and Christian Stuani who joined for a combined £7m fee earlier this year.

Norwich City striker Cameron Jerome has also been linked with a move to Boro, who are said to be prepared to splash the cash once more in the New Year to spearhead their promotion push.