Jordan Rhodes: New Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce plans January swoop for Middlesbrough outcast
The former Hull manager aims to secure the Scottish striker's services on a loan deal
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ASTON VILLA boss Steve Bruce plans to raid Middlesbrough for striker Jordan Rhodes — but will miss out on his uncle Steve Agnew.
Bruce is working on a January loan deal for Rhodes, 26, with Boro receiving a bonus if Villa go up.
Villa spent £27million in the summer on strikers Ross McCormack and Jonathan Kodjia but Bruce will still get the nod for Rhodes, who is out of favour with Boro coach Aitor Karanka.
Bruce tried to buy Rhodes from Blackburn for Hull, but Boro paid £9m for him and will want that sum if they sell.
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Rhodes’ uncle Agnew — the Boro assistant boss — will not link up with Bruce again as he is happy at The Riverside and on a good wage.
The pair worked together at Hull.
PHILIPPE MONTANIER’s future at Nottingham Forest is in grave doubt.
Forest’s new French coach, 51, could go as prospective American owner John Jay Moores and his team want their own men at the helm.
BOB BRADLEY is seeking a No 2 with top-flight experience to work with him at Swansea.
The American, 58, talked his way into the hot seat at the Liberty despite his lack of knowledge of the domestic game — and he admits he could do with help.
Bradley is sounding out coaches who have worked in the Premier League who could give him a crash course on players and opponents.
The Swans are backed by American businessmen but they realise Bradley will need expert help.
A GROUP of Blackburn MPs will go to India to quiz owners Venky’s about their plans for Rovers. The politicians will join fans on a mission to Pune in February.
OLDHAM are giving a trial to Anthony Gerrard, who is still looking for a new home.
The former Cardiff defender, 30, wants to carry on playing.
TONY PULIS faces crunch talks over his West Brom future before the next transfer window.
The Baggies’ new Chinese owners are putting a hit list together as they plot a £50million spending spree.
They want four or five decent signings, but Pulis is unlikely to be happy if he does not have a big say on who comes in.
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MIKE PHELAN fancies Manchester United under-23 boss Warren Joyce as his No 2.
Joyce had four seasons as a player at Hull and Tigers boss Phelan knows him well from their time together at Old Trafford.
However, Hull would have to offer Joyce, 51, some security to persuade him to make the leap.
Phelan is only on a season-long contract and any new staff would probably have to settle for the same deal.
