‘DECEPTIVE’ NEGREDO WORRIES BOB

BOB BRADLEY hopes history does not repeat itself when his Swansea side visit Alvaro Negredo’s Middlesbrough today.

The two Premier League strugglers meet this afternoon with Boro hovering just above the drop zone and Bradley’s men three points and a place worse off in 18th.

The American (right) has warned his men they must stop Negredo if they are to have any chance of success.

The Spanish striker scored for his country in a 4-0 friendly win over Bradley’s USA in 2011, a result which showed the ex-Manchester City man at his fearsome best. “Negredo is a good striker. He’s deceptive and he’s faster than you think,” Bradley said. “He’s not as polished as some strikers but he’s skilful and strong too. We’ll have to keep him quiet.” Swansea’s defensive problems were again laid bare in Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at West Brom. They were unable to deal with Salomon Rondon as the Baggies striker netted a hat-trick of powerful headers.

Negredo, who has scored three Premier League goals for Boro this season, is similarly physical.

“Before that game against Spain, I’d watched Negredo a lot but I didn’t have a sense he was as athletic as he was,” Bradley said. “I think he’s a really good player.” Bradley has insisted Borja Baston won’t leave in January. The £15million striker – the club’s record signing – has scored just one goal for his new side so far.

But Bradley added: “The adjustment has taken a little while but we believe he’s a player that can help us. I think he will stay.”