Aston Villa transfer news: Rudy Gestede set to leave with Middlesbrough favourites
Rudy Gestede could be set to leave Villa in the January transfer window with Middlesbrough understood to be in talks over signing the striker.
Boss Steve Bruce has confirmed a "Premier League club" are interested in the 28-year-old, who joined Villa from Blackburn for £6million in the summer of 2015.
The club is believed to Boro and a deal could be completed when the transfer window opens early next week.
Bruce said: "I do believe there is a Premier League club talking to him. I will probably know more tomorrow. We will see how that develops.
"That is all I can say."
Gestede made his 19th appearance of the season as a late substitute in Villa's 1-1 draw with Leeds on Thursday evening.
The Benin international has netted four goals this term but has found himself behind Jonathan Kodjia, Jordan Ayew and Ross McCormack in the pecking order and Bruce is eager to improve the balance of his squad.
The manager said: "I have six centre-forwards so I maybe have to sell one to buy in a midfield player or another defender. In that respect the balance of the squad is not quite there yet."
Meanwhile Villa are facing late competition from Sunderland for Manchester United keeper Sam Johnstone.
Steve Bruce's hopes of bringing in Johnstone for the rest of the season could be dashed with the Black Cats looking to hijack the deal.
Johnstone is third choice behind David De Gea and Sergio Romero and Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is prepared to let the former England youth international leave to get game time.
But Sunderland are now in the market for a goalkeeper after Jordan Pickford was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a strained anterior cruciate ligament.
Stadium of Light boss David Moyes worked with Johnstone while in charge at United and is keen on signing the 23-year-old former Walsall loanee to cover Pickford's absence.
