Aloisi is currently without a club after his contract ran out at Spanish club Alaves earlier this year and a possible return to the A-League fell through.

He was courted by several Australian clubs to join as a marquee star but was unable to agree terms. Other deals with clubs in Europe also came to nothing.

The lack of match practice cost him a place in the Socceroos squad to face Argentina, but now he could find himself in the pressure keg EPL.

Boro have been struggling to find goals since Viduka left at the end of last season to join north-eat rivals Newcastle United.

They have signed Jeremy Alladiere, Mido and Tuncay Sanli as new strikers but reports in the UK say they are now lining up Aloisi to add to their strikeforce.

Injuries have ruled out the new signings plus midfielder Julio Arca - and Boro are said to believe Aloisi could answer their prayers and be the new Viduka for the club.

They reportedly face a battle for his signature with FC Nurnberg which already has Socceroo Josh Kennedy and Michael Beauchamp, plus Matthew Spiranovic and Dario Vidosic in their squad.

"Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to send out an emergency call for Australian striker John Aloisi as he faces a major crisis," the UK's Daily Mirror reported.

"Aloisi, 31, is a free agent after leaving Alaves, and is in currently in signing talks with German club Nuremberg.

"But Southgate hopes the former Coventry and Portsmouth hitman will join Boro following injuries to Mido, Tuncay Sanli and Jeremie Aliadiere."

Aloisi's agent was unavailable for comment. Aloisi is currently in Spain with his family.