The Middlesbrough striker could be the ideal summer addition for Swansea City.
Paul Clement
Paul Clement has worked wonders during his time in charge of the Swans, guiding his side to Premier League safety with relative ease in the end, after they won four of their last five league outings.
One of the key contributing factors behind that fine run was the form of Fernando Llorente, who scored 15 Premier League goals in 33 appearances.
The problem with that, however, is that the Spaniard’s impressive displays did not go unnoticed, with some of the division’s elite clubs, including Chelsea, considering an approach for the striker, according to Sky Sports.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente
With just one year remaining on his current deal at the Liberty Stadium, it might be hard for Swansea to turn down any kind of approach for Llorente this summer, rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
If they do end up losing the former Juventus and Athletic Bilbao man, they should consider bringing Middlesbrough striker Rudy Gestede to the club as a direct replacement.
It would be hard to argue that the 28-year-old Boro man is of equal quality to Llorente, but he undoubtedly works just as hard, is more of an aerial threat, and is four years younger.
He has all the attributes needed to play the target man role for Paul Clement’s side, and despite the fact that the former Derby County boss likes his teams to keep the ball on the ground, there will always be times throughout the season when a ‘plan B’ is needed.
Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede in action
The 6ft 4in forward has never been the most prolific of strikers, but the manner in which he brings others into play could appeal to Clement.
Gestede is under contract at the Riverside until 2020, so the Welsh outfit will have to still pay a nominal fee, should they wish to bring him to the club this summer.
And depending on what happens with Llorente, he could be just what they need next term.
Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede in action
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