The 30-year old joined Wanderers in September from AC Milan and has impressed during the clubs Carling Cup run and manager Sam Allardyce confirmed last week that a contract offer would be put to the player after Christmas and the player himself has expressed a desire to stay in Lancashire.
However Boro are reportedly set to keep an eye on developments with the former French international who they agreed terms with in 1999 only for the deal to fall through, and could be tempted to rival any Bolton offer.