Nottingham Forest have tabled a bid worth £8million for Middlesbrough centre-forward Patrick Bamford, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claimed via their live transfer blog on Saturday [11:09pm] that Aitor Karanka is “zeroing in” on Bamford, 24, however Boro are said to have rejected Forest’s opening offer.
It is understood that Karanka also wants Bamford’s Riverside team-mate Adam Clayton, but Middlesbrough are reluctant to offload the duo.
Good move for Forest?
Bamford is a decent striker, but he is definitely not worth more than the £8million that Middlesbrough have already rejected.
The former England Under-21 international scored 13 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions last season and for almost £10milli0n, Karanka would surely want someone who is a bit more prolific in front of goal.
Tony Pulis will play hardball in negotiations with Forest, and it’s probably best for Karanka to move on and look at other targets who are more reliable at hitting the back of the net.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
Forest have already shown that they are not scared to spend big money this summer and Karanka is likely going to make another offer for Bamford in order to get his man.
Pulis would probably accept £10million for Bamford because he only started 23 Championship fixtures last season, so he is not that much of a key first team player at the Riverside.
Will it happen? It’s hard to tell at this stage, but it seems more likely that it will not since Boro have rejected the bid.
This is Futbol rating 5/10