Aston Villa have been told that they’ll need to put up £10m to sign Jordan Rhodes from Middlesbrough.
According to a report in The Mirror the Scotland striker was discussed during negotiations that led to ‘Boro signing Rudy Gestede.
Rhodes is desperate to get out of the Riverside after making just two Premier League appearances and would jump at the chance to link up with Steve Bruce at Villa Park.
Bruce tried to sign the 26-year-old a year ago but after lengthy negotiations Rhodes opted to join Middlesbrough after three and a half years at Blackburn.
Villa were keen to take Rhodes on loan but ‘Boro have ruled that option out with Villa unsure whether they should shell out £10m in mid season.
It’s unlikely that a deal will be pushed through in the next few days but Villa are likely to be back around the table towards the end of the month.