Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes could leave in January, with Aston Villa believed to be keen.
According to the Daily Star, Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka won’t stand in Jordan Rhodes’ way if he’s unhappy in January, with Aston Villa believed to be keen.
Rhodes, 26, was a big-money signing for Boro during the January transfer window, as Karanka’s men lured him away from Blackburn Rovers after he’d smashed 85 goals in 169 for the Ewood Park side.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes in action with West Ham United’s Adrian
The Scotland international was seen as a man to help Boro get over the line and win promotion to the Premier League, and whilst that did happen, Rhodes’ record of six goals in 18 games was a little shy of what people expected.
This term, Rhodes has played just 105 minutes of Premier League action for Boro, as Alvaro Negredo has established himself as Karanka’s first choice striker despite going over three months without a goal.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes looks dejected
Karanka has been quoted by the Daily Star as saying: “Jordan has waited a long time to be in the Premier League,” said the Spaniard. “Why give that up now? I want him to succeed here and not listen to other clubs saying they might want him,” he added.
However, the Daily Star add that, if Rhodes is unhappy with his playing time come January, he won’t stand in his way, with Aston Villa allegedly keen to land him.
It’s claimed that manager Steve Bruce wanted to sign Rhodes at Hull, and could look to finally work with the striker at Villa Park should he become available.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
Villa have seen summer signing Jonathan Kodjia excel since joining from Bristol City in August, but Ross McCormack has yet to live up to his billing, and Bruce may look for another goal threat as he looks to guide Villa into the Championship play-offs.
A loan deal would be more likely than Villa buying Rhodes, but with the busy Christmas period coming up, Rhodes still has a chance to prove that he can contribute in Karanka’s Boro side.
Would you like to see Villa sign Rhodes?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
