Villa lead chase for Boro striker Jordan Rhodes
Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes this January, according to an exclusive from HITC Sport.
Rhodes has scored over 180 career goals but has struggled for game-time since securing promotion to the Premier League with Boro. Former Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo has been Aitor Karanka’s preferred choice – keeping Rhodes out of the side.
HITC Sport understand Karanka has made fringe strikers Rhodes and David Nugget available for transfer ahead of the January window, paving the way for a move for Spanish striker Jonathan Soriano of RB Salzburg.
Boro are looking to recoup their investment on Rhodes and have slapped a £10million price-tag on his head
Villa have emerged as early favourites to land Rhodes this January and Steve Bruce is reportedly prepared to offload Norwich target Ross McCormack to free up funds for the move.
Bruce faces stiff competition from long-term Rhodes admirers Sheffield Wednesday, who had a loan bid knocked for the Scotsman in the summer window.