Leeds United have been linked with the Middlesbrough striker.
Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk has played down speculation linking Rudy Gestede with a late exit, amid rumours of a move to Leeds United.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Leeds are set to make an improved offer for the French striker after failing with an initial £6 million bid.
The Whites could do with at least one more striker following the sale of Chris Wood to Burnley in a club-record deal which exceded £15 million.
But will that man be Gestede? Not according to the former United boss, who claims that the 28-year-old has a role to play on Teeside this season.
Monk said, quoted by The YEP: ““He’s an important player for us and a big part of what we’re doing here. We’ve said it many times – we’re not focused on that side of things.
“We don’t want to lose anyone. The squad has been achieved by design and the players that are here now are ones that we want to keep.”
It seems unlikely that Monk is bluffing and posturing in an effort to force a much bigger offer. Gestede has started three of Boro’s four Championship games, scoring once.
He does appear to have a role to play at the Riverside, but if the 38-year-old manager can bring in what he believes is a better forward then he might well let the Frenchman go.
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