CHAMPIONSHIP side Middlesbrough reportedly remain interested in signing two former Swindon Town forwards.

Neil Warnock’s Teeside outfit have been targetting strikers Michael Smith and Paul Mullin after strong campaigns for both at various levels.

Smith, 29, netted ten goals and won the second-most aerial duels in the division - bettered only by Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore.

Meanwhile, Mullin plundered an outstanding 32 goals in 46 league games to finish as League Two’s top scorer, and help Cambridge win promotion to League One.

A report from Football Insider claims Middlesbrough face competition from Preston North End, Rotherham United, Plymouth Argyle, and Bristol Rovers for Mullin’s signature.

Cambridge United have offered the 26-year-old fresh terms, though it appears likely at this point that the former Swindon striker will be plying his trade elsewhere come the new season in August.

Those who would like to see Mullin stay at Cambridge believe the potential two-division jump could be too much for the striker to handle, especially as last term was the first time he had registered double figures for goals in his career.

Smith is thought to be higher up on Boro’s list of options though, especially after missing out on yet another ex-Swindon forward in the shape of former Luton Town striker James Collins, who signed for Cardiff this summer.

But according to reports, Town’s west-country rivals Bristol City have recently joined the race for Smith’s signature and are potentially more likely to meet Rotherham’s valuation.

Smith has a year left on his Millers contract and is seen as valuable to the Yorkshire club, though the Rotherham hierarchy understand their man would like to continue playing in the Championship and are happy to facilitate a move.