Town, QPR, ADO Den Haag and unnamed Premier League sides are eyeing VVV Venlo striker Ruud Boymans, according to reports in Holland. The 21-year-old has scored nine league goals this season, more than half of his relegation-threatened club’s total of 17.

The 6ft 2in tall frontman was born in the appropriately named Dutch town of Born and started his career with local side VV Born as an amateur. He began his professional career with Fortuna Sittard, making his debut in the 2007/08 season.

After two years in the Eerste Divisie (second tier), scoring 12 league goals in 46 matches, Boymans moved on to top flight club Venlo in 2009, signing a three-year deal. In his first season with his new club the strong, all-action centre forward scored four goals in 16 matches but this year he has pushed on and has netted nine times in 18 matches.

Meanwhile, Blues boss Roy Keane - sporting a flat cap - and first team coach Tony Loughlan were at Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates, keeping an eye on next week’s Carling Cup semi-final opponents.

Elsewhere, former Town and Gunners striker Paul Mariner is set to be named the new general manager of MLS side Toronto FC on Thursday with ex-Dutch international Aron Winter joining as his head coach. Mariner left Plymouth Argyle at the end of last week.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images via Reuters