The 20-goal striker is reportedly interesting a number of Premier League clubs.
West Ham and Aston Villa are interested in Blackburn Rovers striker Rudy Gestede, according to the Daily Mail.
The 26-year-old is said to be wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, having had bids from top-flight sides rejected for him by Blackburn in January.
Gestede, say the Mail, is valued at £7 million and scored 20 league goals for Rovers, as well as impressing against Premier League sides in the FA Cup.
West Ham United have made contact over his availability and are considering him as an option as well as Javier Hernandez, the Manchester United striker currently on loan at Real Madrid. Aston Villa, too, are in for the Blackburn man, the Mail’s report claims.
| Championship | Goals | Headers Won | Appearances | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daryl Murphy | 27 | 184 | 44 | 3,874 |
| Troy Deeney | 21 | 177 | 42 | 3,422 |
| Jordan Rhodes | 21 | 75 | 45 | 3,511 |
| Rudy Gestede | 20 | 359 | 39 | 2,705 |
| Odion Ighalo | 20 | 25 | 35 | 1,939 |
| Callum Wilson | 20 | 28 | 45 | 3,900 |
As Opta stats show, Gestede is the Championship’s fourth-top scorer this season – and the divide between the second tier and the Premier League is debatable. Some strikers can’t make the breakthrough but those with the talent and potential can branch the divide without problem.
Charlie Austin is the perfect example and Gestede’s aerial prowess (359 headers won) is absolutely perfect for Tim Sherwood at Aston Villa, considering what he has done with Christian Benteke.
Should Sam Allardyce remain at West Ham, the 26-year-old would also fit the bill at Upton Park – like Andy Carroll only with the potential to stay fit longer. That, though, depends on Big Sam’s future…
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