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Aston Villa have submitted a formal offer for Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes.

Villa boss Steve Bruce was hoping to land the Scotland international on a loan but it appears that he has shelved that plan in favour of a permanent deal.

Rhodes has long been on Bruce's radar - the Geordie was interested in the forward when he was in situ at Hull City - but he signed Abel Hernandez instead.

However, he retains confidence that the striker can spearhead a push up the Championship table and is upping the ante.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty)

Since the start of December Villa have played nine times, scoring just five goals, and the absence of Jonathan Kodjia who is on duty at the African Cup of Nations has only highlighted weakness in that area.

Bruce has tried to accommodate Gabby Agbonlahor but the former England international is struggling to make an impact. Ross McCormack is another who has failed to ignite Villa's attack.

And so Villa's boss has decided to press ahead with for a permanent move for his long-time target.

(Image: Action Images)

Sheffield Wednesday were in the running for Rhodes - the player's dad Andy is the club's goalkeeping coach - but their capture of Barnsley's Sam Winnall has reduced the pressure on Carlos Carvalhal to strengthen the Owls' frontline.

Bruce remains in the hunt for Conor Hourihane and the club remains hopeful that the long-running saga with Nottingham Forest's Henri Lansbury is settled in their favour.