New Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk supposedly has Nottingham Forest’s Assombalonga as a priority on his transfer list.
Britt Assombalonga of Nottingham Forest shoots at goal
Following news from Sky Sports (10:23, 13/6/2017) that new Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk has Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga at the top of his wish list, the Reds have every right to demand a minimum of £15m-£20m considering that they hold all the cards in this battle.
Frankly, from a Forest perspective, Assombalonga is indispensable. Despite having some niggling injuries this season, the 24-year-old scored 14 in 32 Championship matches – 20 of which were starts – as the Reds narrowly survived in the division.
Nottingham Forests Britt Assombalonga celebrates scoring his sides third goal
That may be enough for Boro fans to assume that Forest would be swept over by an eight figure bid closer to 10 than 20, but they would be wrong in thinking so, as Assombalonga has five years left on his contract – meaning that Forest can push the limit for what they demand.
The length of his contract means that there is no chance Boro will be able to sign Assombalonga for his actual value, and that they will have to pay way over the top in order to stand a chance.
Derby’s Craig Bryson is tackled by Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga
When you consider that Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has rejected a £20m bid from Newcastle United for Tom Cairney, as reported by Chronicle Live, that should be the precedent for the Reds to act upon if a bid comes in.
Under previous owner Fawaz Al Hasawi, Forest regularly sold their best players under value – and in some cases, behind the manager’s back. Forest fans will be desperate to hope that this is no longer the case, though that theory may be tested soon.
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga celebrates scoring their fourth goal
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