South Korean forward Lee Dong-gook is close to signing a deal with Middlesbrough.
Lee's agent Kim Ki-hun has revealed that the 27-year-old is in the process of agreeing terms with Boro after impressing in recent trials.
"Middlesbrough has tested him three times and wants to sign a contract with him," Kim told the Korean Times.
"We are talking over details of the terms."
The Pohang Steelers star - known as The Lion King, has netted 22 goals in 64 games for South Korea, and is widely regarded by local pundits as the country's top finisher.
However, his career has been blighted by injuries and only recently returned from a serious knee injury in October last year after missing the 2006 World Cup.
In 2001, he spent six months on loan at German club Werder Bremen, but failed to make an impact as a relatively raw 22-year-old.
Over the last few years, he has matured into top striker and his eye-catching performances for Pohang and South Korea prompted Middlesbrough to hand him a trial.
Boro strike Lee deal
Middlesbrough are hopeful of wrapping up a deal for Lee Dong-gook at some point next week after the South Korean passed a medical and agreed terms with the Teessiders.
The 27-year-old forward has made a positive impression on Gareth Southgate and Boro have successfully thrashed out a deal with his club, Pohang Steelers.
Boro chief Southgate is looking forward to getting the chance to field Lee, as he said: "He's had fitness tests and they have been positive.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him test himself in the Premier League.
"It would be a great challenge to him. He could be an exciting player for us."
The deal is subject to a work permit being granted and is unlikely to be the only transfer activity at The Riverside this month.
"We're progressing on a couple of fronts," Southgate added on the club's website. "We will have a couple of players moving on but there's nothing completed yet.
"If we can get quality that improves us we will strive to do that."