Rhodes keen to open talks over Middlesbrough move

MIDDLESBROUGH’S quest to prise Jordan Rhodes away from Blackburn has received a significant boost after the Scotland international expressed disappointment at Rovers rejecting Boro’s bid.

The Teesside club want the 25-year-old to spearhead their Sky Bet Championship promotion charge next season and are willing to offer Rovers a profit on the £8m they paid Huddersfield three years ago.

With Blackburn currently still under the constraints of a transfer embargo, Rhodes believes Aitor Karanka’s side, beaten play-off finalists in the Championship in May, represent a step up.

“Having seen Middlesbrough’s performances last season I would have liked to have been able to talk to them and I am unhappy at not being given that opportunity,” Rhodes told ESPN FC.