Villa expected to complete Rhodes deal
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Aston Villa are finally closing in on signing Jordan Rhodes from Middlesbrough.
According to a report in the Birmingham Mail Steve Bruce is favourite to land the Scotland striker during the January transfer window.
Rhodes joined ‘Boro a year ago in a £9m deal from Blackburn but has barely featured in Aitor Karanka’s Premier League plans.
Prior to moving to the Riverside the 26-year-old was regarded as one of the best strikers in the Championship after netting 83 goals from 152 Championship starts for Blackburn Rovers.
After a promising start at Villa Park Bruce has watched his side struggle in recent weeks with back-to-back defeats at Cardiff and Wolves derailing their play-off prospects.
The loss of Jonathan Kodjia to the African Nations Cup has resulted in the goals virtually drying up.
A £10m deal for Rhodes could rectify that issue and give Villa the perfect boost to kick on for a play-off spot.