Middlesbrough will make Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes, 26, available for transf

[Allestree andy]

What do you think of rhodes being martins partner up front, do you thiunk it would work, proven goal scorer in the championship.

[cmg]

Only 26 and certainly a proven goalscorer but I can't help thinking we may have missed the boat on this one.

His year-by-year production is:
11/12(L1)    35 goals   @ 1/94'
12/13 (Ch)   28               1/141'
13/14 (Ch)   25               1/161'
14/15 (Ch)   21               1/167'
15/16 (Ch)   16               1/209'

Doesn't contribute much other than goals - which is fair enough for a player of his type. Might work well off Martin...but who would he replace?

Championship numbers:
Rhodes        189 games    91 goals    16 assists    164' per goal
McCormack  319              118            57              205'

[MJG]

Problem we have atm is that Martin is playing every minute of every game. Having Rhodes who is similar in some ways would make both interchangeable in my eyes and keep both fresh. Also if we do want a two man upto option I'm sure they could do it.

[Lighthouse]

Would think that we need a nippy second forward and not a Rhodes type.

[ffc73]

If we take Aluko, Ayite, Kebano and Piazon as the nippy wide second forward types with Martin up top then Rhodes over Smith or Woodrow works for me.

[bobby01]

Would think that we need a nippy second forward and not a Rhodes type.

:plus one:

[grandad]

He would almost certainly want a near guaranteed start. Don´t think he would come as a bench warmer with an occasional start.

[@jolslover]

Would think that we need a nippy second forward and not a Rhodes type.

Agree

[dannyboi-ffc]

Problem we have atm is that Martin is playing every minute of every game. Having Rhodes who is similar in some ways would make both interchangeable in my eyes and keep both fresh. Also if we do want a two man upto option I'm sure they could do it.

Makes sense to me.

[MJG]

If we are to continue with one up top then surely to fit in with the system you want someone similar to Martin, and so the calls for a nippy forward change the dynamics of the team when Martin does not play.
As mentioned below the busy bee midfielders with pace are the nippy guys that Joka uses.

[Fulham Tup North]

I've said it before and I'll say it again..... DEFOE....
That is all :)
COYW

[twang]

I don't really see the need for Rhodes as long as we have Martin. Very similar players with the exception that Rhodes is a more natural goalscorer and Martin on the other hand adds more in the general play. And neither of them would accept being second choice. And for the record I'd choose Martin over Rhodes everytime.

I'd rather see us sign a striker that would add something different, preferably more threat in behind, but one that still has the abilities necessary to play as the lone striker. Someone like Assombalonga if the club is willing to spend. Otherwise I like the little I've seen of Omar Bogle. There's been so many strikers from the lower leagues tearing Championship defences apart lately that I think he would be well worth a shot. Even if it's wild card.

[cmg]

Whenever strikers are discussed Defoe's name crops up.

Have I missed something?
Defoe has a fine PL record and is in excellent form, especially for a 34 year old.
He is playing for a PL club, although, admittedly, a pretty poor one, with whom he is contracted until 2019 and who have handed him the captain's armband in recent games. He has scored 8 of the 14 goals they have amassed this season.
Why would they let him go?
...unless he's developed Lee Clark's taste in t-shirts.

[RaySmith]

We need a striker of similar ability to Martin to cover for Martin if injured - but should be the same type as Martin, to  fit in the with the current style of play - which seems  very successful and suited to our players.

But would Rhodes want to fill this role. Or maybe interchanging with martin, as MJG suggests , but would either of them be happy wit this?

We've been obsessed by Rhodes here for ages, but would he inevitably disappoint if he actually  arrives? has his time passed? Well, I'll leave the decision to SJ and  whoever decides on these matters.

[Slaphead in Qatar]

Definately we should go for in for him - if we get him scoring for us we would definately be play off or even auto promotion contenders.

[Jims Dentist]

Sam Winnall of Barnsley for me.

[BestOfBrede]

Hmm, for me Defoe is a reasonable choice due his unbelievable scoring record where ever he's been, but he is now the wrong side of thirty for me.
As for Rhodes, I've personally never understood this luv'in with him.

Don't ask me who I'd go for as I don't watch many games other than the Super Whites and so have to, and do, trust in Slavisa.

All I will say is, in my view, I think we need a young, quick striker with the way we are playing. If only we had tied down Dembele! Or even better, we find another gem like Louise Saha!!

[H4usuallysitting]

I'm still dreaming that we're getting Defoe

[love4ffc]

First and foremost we need a striker that can help get us back in the Premier. If he is young and quick all the better. But in the absence of quality forwards available, we may need to lower our expectations.

Its the great hunt.  Find a younger, still developing yet somewhat proven player that can can guarantee you 15 + goals a year.  Someone who is still young enough to develop with the team once promoted into transitioning to the premier league. 

Seems almost impossible 

[cmg]

Its the great hunt.  Find a younger, still developing yet somewhat proven player that can can guarantee you 15 + goals a year.  Someone who is still young enough to develop with the team once promoted into transitioning to the premier league. 

Seems almost impossible 

Yes. But you could still compile a reasonable short list based on these criteria.
But you have to add:
Would be willing to come.
Club would be willing to let him go.
Would be within our price range.

...it's then that you have to get Ethan Hunt on the case.