Promotion-chasing Middlesbrough have moved a step closer to signing Jordan Rhodes after Blackburn reluctantly gave them permission to speak to the striker.

Rhodes, who has scored 11 times in 26 appearances for Rovers this season, has been linked with a move away from Ewood Park this month, with Boro leading the race for the Scotland international.

And on Friday night both clubs agreed a fee for the 25-year-old, who will now travel to Boro for talks about a potential move.

A Rovers statement on their official website said: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that they have reluctantly given Middlesbrough permission to speak to striker Jordan Rhodes.

“The player has expressed his desire to talk to the Teesside club and will travel to the North-East for discussions.”

Rhodes has scored 85 goals in 169 matches for Blackburn since leaving Huddersfield, where he scored 87 times in 148 games, in a deal worth up to £8m in August 2012.

The acquisition of Rhodes would be a major statement of intent for Middlesbrough as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Boro are currently second in the Championship, one point behind Hull, but have lost their last two matches.