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No longer needed by Monk, Middlesbrough striker Gestede ideal option for Leeds

Rudy Gestede of Middlesbrough (L) and Alfie Mawson of Swansea City (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Swansea City a...
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Should Leeds target Rudy Gestede?

Garry Monk’s spending spree at Middlesbrough has already seen two strikers added this summer and a third is on the way.

In addition to Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithewaite, HITC Sport reported a fee has been agreed with West Ham for the signature of Ashley Fletcher – before Middlesbrough confirmed the move.

It makes the future look bleak for striker Rudy Gestede – and he is a player Monk’s former team Leeds United should look at.

Rudy Gestede of Middlesbrough (L) and Alfie Mawson of Swansea City (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium...Rudy Gestede of Middlesbrough

Gestede was signed by current Leeds technical director of football Victor Orta back in January.

It was immediately tough for the forward, joining a losing team which struggled to create chances.

Gestede needs a new start, to put his short lived spell at Middlesbrough behind him, having also been frustrated at Aston Villa.

Leeds should not be put off by Gestede’s Premier League struggles, as he is a very capable goalscorer at Championship level.

Rudy Gestede of Middlesbrough scores his sides second goal during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Middlesbrough and Oxford United at Riverside Stadium on February 18, 2017 in...Rudy Gestede scores for Middlesbrough

His physical attributes make him similar to Leeds striker Chris Wood, which would relieve the pressure on the New Zealand striker and give manager Thomas Christiansen a valuable option to try and prevent burnout and injury.

Gestede’s heading ability could see him thrive alongside Leeds’ new creative players.

The 28-year-old’s last full season in the Championship was in 2014/15 when he scored 22 goals for a struggling Blackburn side.

If Middlesbrough do not need him, and it appears they do not, Leeds would be wise to make a move to try and bring the Benin international to Elland Road.