Middlesbrough have reportedly snubbed a bid from Aston Villa for striker Jordan Rhodes.
According to The Sun, Middlesbrough have rejected Aston Villa’s bid for Jordan Rhodes – but Villa are ready to make a £4million move for Barnsley defender James Bree.
Villa need reinforcements to try and close the gap to the play-off places, as Bruce’s men currently sit six points off the top six – and only one new signing has been made so far.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes looks dejected
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone arrived on loan from Manchester United earlier this season, but Bruce now appears to be looking for a new right back and a new striker.
The Sun now report that Villa have offered a deal totalling £10million for Middlesbrough attacker Jordan Rhodes – but the Premier League side have snubbed the bid.
Rhodes, 26, starred with Blackburn Rovers, scoring 85 goals in just 169 games for the club before moving on to Middlesbrough last January.
Barnsley’s James Bree (L) in action with Fleetwood Town’s David Henen
The Scottish international striker scored six times in 18 appearances for Boro last term, but has played just six times in the Premier League this season.
Now sitting behind Patrick Bamford, Rudy Gestede and Alvaro Negredo in Boro’s pecking order, Rhodes could leave – but Villa’s opening bid of £6million plus £4million in add-ons has been rejected by Boro, leaving Villa to consider their next move.
The report adds that Villa boss Bruce is now ready to meet Barnsley’s £4million asking price for right back James Bree, with Villa now hoping to beat Premier League clubs to the 19-year-old’s signature.
With Ritchie de Laet out for the season and Alan Hutton clearly not regarded as a long-term solution at right back, Bruce appears to be making his move for Bree, who has been a key player for Barnsley this season.
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