While the defence has been quite robust for Middlesbrough they have lacked serious edge in their offence, which heavily affected their league progress in the first half of the season. And as per Talksport, Aitor Karanka has successfully placed a bid for Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede.
If Boro want to avoid any last day Premier League drama with the bottom table dwellers, a proven striker is a must and Gestede could fit that bill. The 28-year-old striker has been a leading target among many Premier League and Championship clubs since the last few weeks but Boro are could move ahead and land him with their 6 million pound bid.
Continuing with only Negredo up front hasn’t reaped the fruits and the next five months will be very crucial for the team. Riverside needs someone who can not only bag goals from 50-50 chances but also help Negredo get more of the ball.
Gestede had joined Villa for 6 million pounds after Blackburn Rovers accepted the bid back in the summer of 2015 but has found it difficult to find a permanent place in Steve Bruce’s hugely congested frontline. He has managed only eight appearances in the Championship so far.
He has scored four goals this season and registered one assist with a shot accuracy of 52%. At 193cm, he could a major threat in the air and given his good finishing, he looks like the ideal option for Boro up front alongside Negredo. And with Gaston Ramirez, Stuart Downing and Adama Traore chipping in with crosses from the wings, Boro could definitely produce some major upsets in the second half of the season.
With his brute strength, he can hold off players till others arrive on the counter. And given the shrewd tactician Karanka is, he could effectively use the forward. The only problems Gestede might face would be his poor defensive attributes and composure on the ball. But he is undoubtedly an effective target man.
Gestede’s arrival will surely mean further descend down the pecking order for Jordan Rhodes and David Nugent, who have both struggled tremendously to find a starting place in Karanka’s first team.
Steve Bruce could launch a bid for Boro striker Jordan Rhodes, who was previously a Championship sensation. Rhodes, who arrived from Blackburn for an initial 9 million pound fee in January last year, has been unable to make a real impact.
Boro currently dwell just two places above the relegation zone with four points separating them from the last three teams. They face tricky fixtures like West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Tottenham in the coming weeks and a towering forward like Gestede could surely help.
