Patrick Bamford to be targeted by Middlesbrough if Chelsea striker's loan spell at Crystal Palace is terminated

Patrick Bamford to be targeted by Middlesbrough if Chelsea striker's loan spell at Crystal Palace is terminated DM.later('bundle', function() { DM.has('back-to-top', 'FloatingButtons'); }); Patrick Bamford has struggled to make an impact at Crystal PalaceStriker is on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea until end of seasonBut deal could be terminated in January given his lack of actionThe 22-year-old spent last season on loan at MiddlesbroughBy Sami Mokbel for MailOnline

Published: 09:55 GMT, 12 November 2015 | Updated: 16:41 GMT, 12 November 2015

Middlesbrough will look to re-sign Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford if his loan spell at Crystal Palace is prematurely ended.

The former England Under 21 international has struggled for games at Selhurst Park - making just three league appearances, all as a substitute.

The loan term could be ended in January given his lack of action.

Middlesbrough will look to re-sign Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford if his loan spell at Crystal Palace is ended

Bamford (right) has struggled for playing time at Selhurst Park so far this season

Bamford starred in the Championship last season for Middlesbrough while on loan from Chelsea

And Boro are already plotting their way to the front of the queue if the striker is available.

Bamford enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Riverside last season, scoring 19 goals as Aitor Karanka's team just fell short of promotion.

The Championship club tried to sign Bamford in the summer, but, at the time, Chelsea were intent on the 22-year-old moving to a Premier League club. 

Despite Crystal Palace's lack of a regular striker, Bamford has started just two games so far since joining, and both of those have come in the Capital One Cup. 

He has previously also won two caps for the England U21s, and was included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championship last summer before being forced to withdraw through injury. 

Last month, Palace boss Alan Pardew said that he had been impressed with Bamford's work rate since he joined the Eagles, but admitted the striker had a little way to go to become a regular in the Premier League.

Palace boss Alan Pardew said that he had been impressed with Bamford's work rate so far

But Pardew admitted the striker had a little way to go to be ready to start in the Premier League

'I have to say I have been very very pleased with his attitude, his application and he has definitely physically got a little bit stronger through this process,' said Pardew.

'Hopefully when he hits the ground at some point, whether it be for us or Chelsea or somebody else, he's going to feel the benefit of it.

'He is a possible England player at some stage but he has got some learning to do and like all young players, they sometimes have to add something to their game to get over that final hurdle.'

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