All Rhodes lead to Middlesbrough for Scotland striker

Scotland international striker Jordan Rhodes has completed a move to Championship promotion-chasers Middlesbrough from Blackburn Rovers a day after the long-anticipated switch appeared to have collapsed.

Boro released a statement on Sunday saying they
failed to agree terms with Rhodes following weekend talks, but confirmed the deal a little over 24 hours later.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 166 Football League goals across spells with Huddersfield Town and Blackburn, moves to the Riverside Stadium for an undisclosed fee – reported to be worth an initial  £9million to Rovers, rising to a possible £13m.

Boro are second in the Championship, a point behind leaders Hull City, and Rhodes could make his debut against 18th-placed Blackburn on Saturday.

Aitor Karanka has also bolstered his squad with
the acquisition of Leicester City defender Ritchie De Laet on loan until the end of the season.