Middlesbrough are dismissing any idea that they could be convinced to part ways with star striker Will Lankshear in January, TEAMtalk understands, despite rising interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.

Lankshear has been in fantastic form since joining Borough from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £20 million, establishing himself as one of the Championship’s most exciting attacking talents.

The 20-year-old has 15 goals in 16 appearances for the Teesside club, making him the division’s top scorer, and insiders say he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Riverside Stadium.

His performance has naturally sparked interest, with TEAMtalk revealing that the majority of Premier League clubs had observed him at some time.

Tottenham are among those keeping an eye on his progress, having kept a matching-right option when Lankshear moved to Middlesbrough.

Spurs did not include a buy-back clause in the contract, but they have not ruled out trying to bring the forward back to north London in the future.

Manchester United, Brighton, and Everton have also kept an eye on the striker, as have local rivals Newcastle, Sunderland, and Leeds.

Arsenal also keeping an eye on Lankshear.

TEAMtalk can also confirm that Arsenal, Lankshear’s first club as a young lad, is keeping an eye on the situation, with interest extending beyond England.

Borussia Dortmund, a German club with a large scouting network in this nation, has also looked into the Middlesbrough attacker.

Despite the growing list of fans, neither Borough nor the player have been contacted about a prospective move. Crucially, any approaches are unlikely to be warmly received by the Championship team.

Middlesbrough is completely focused on its promotion objectives and has no desire to lose a player who has been so essential to their campaign.

Lankshear, for his part, has no wish to push an early departure from Teesside. He is pleased with how his career is moving at Borough and is determined to sustain the impressive scoring form that has put him on the radar of top-flight clubs.

His performances have also attracted international attention. Indeed, earlier this season, Michael Owen told TEAMtalk that Lankshear should be considered by England manager Thomas Tuchel, and we understand the striker was poised to be included in the team for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain before injury interfered.

He missed Middlesbrough’s goalless draws against Wrexham and Watford due to a hamstring injury. The incident was not considered serious, but it was enough to knock him out of contention for England selection.

The focus on Lankshear is unlikely to fade, especially if he continues to score at his present rate. However, with Borough determined to keep their leading marksman and the player settled in the North East, a January exit is not seen a realistic option at this time.