Aston Villa are trying to sign Jordan Rhodes from Middlesbrough, according to reports.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa could seal a deal for Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes for £9 million.
Boro have bought in both Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford during the transfer window to date, and Rhodes is now thought to be expendable.
Villa are keen to take the Scottish international on a permanent deal, but their £6 million bid was deemed to be unacceptable.
Boro want £3 million more than Villa have offered so far, but if Steve Bruce’s side can sell Ross McCormack it would still be a good deal for Villa.
The claret and blues are said to be demanding £10 million for McCormack (Daily Mail), and if they receive that sort of money, it looks to be an excellent trade.
Rhodes and McCormack are both proven scorers at Championship level, but the latter has struggled since moving to Villa Park last summer.
McCormack has found the back of the net just three times in 22 appearances for the Midlands side.
The transfer just does not seem to have worked out for either party, and if Villa can get in Rhodes for a similar price it would be a positive move.
Rhodes and McCormack have scored at remarkably similar rates in recent times, and are regarded as two of the most potent Championship strikers.
The difference is, Villa will have some resale value with Rhodes and they would also be buying a striker with a point to prove.
The 26-year-old has not found things easy since moving to Boro, and he has barely received an opportunity since they have been promoted to the Premier League.
He would return to Villa fully fresh, determined and could have the quality to spark what has been a disappointing season for Bruce’s side so far into life.
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