Fulham have been handed a major boost in their hopes to keep Ross McCormack after Middlesbrough agreed a fee for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes, according to the Middlesbrough Gazette.

Boro have been chasing McCormack in January but Fulham reportedly refused to accept the Scot's transfer request.

The Whites have refused to countenance any offers for their star striker in January as selling him could see the club suffer relegation to League One; they are only four points clear of the drop zone.

The club's resistance has been strengthened due to their transfer embargo and they couldn't bring in a replacement.

Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes.

This has led to reports that McCormack has been trying to force a move with Boro, after they had bids rejected.

The striker missed last Saturday's defeat to Hull and Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted the frontman is not going anywhere.

“He’s not for sale,” the Serbian said. “I don’t change my position. It’s the same for Mike Rigg (chief football officer). It’s the same for Alistair Macintosh (chief executive). I didn’t come here to sell the players at this moment.

"I read the press too, and it’s normal other clubs are interested in players.

“But he is one of our key players and we believe he can help us in the future.”