Newly-appointed Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is planning a January raid on Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes, according toreports.
The 26-year-old signed for Boro last January for £9m before going on to score six goals in 18 appearances asAitor Karanka's side secured promotion to the Premier League.
However, he has found first-teamopportunitieshard to come by in the Premier League, starting just twice in eight games for Boro so far this season.
This has led to speculation over his future, with Aston Villa reportedly ready to swoop in for a loan deal in January.
Former Villa boss Roberto Di Matteospent a combined £27m on strikers earlier this year, signingJonathan Kodjia from Bristol City andRoss McCormack from Fulham.
But this hasn't deterred new boss Bruce from pursuing a new forward, withThe Sunreporting that Jordan Rhodes is at the top of his wish-list.
If the reported loan deal goes ahead, Middlesbrough will receive a bonus from Villa if the Midlands-club achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
But it will be a tough task for Steve Bruce's side, who are precariously sat in 20th in the Championship, having won just one of their opening 12 games.
Bruce spurred his side to a 1-1 draw in the West Midlands derby against Wolves on Saturday, and although they didn't record three points, the performance gives the Villa Park faithful a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dreary campaign.