Middlesbrough have joined several Championship clubs in the race to sign Bristol Rovers prolific striker Jonson Clarke-Harris as reported by Bristol Live.
The powerful frontman still has two years remaining on his contract after joining from League One rivals Coventry City in January. He’s been a sensation at the Memorial Ground scoring nineteen goals in twenty-nine games, and according to the report, Rovers have opened negotiations on a new contract to reward his outstanding displays and protect their prize asset in the face of growing interest from the second tier.
However, according to Bristol Live, there is an element within the Gas hierarchy that are concerned at Rovers wage bill which is already amongst the top ten in the division with the financial excesses of recruitment in 2018 restricting boss Graham Coughlan’s summer recruitment.
The report claims Reading and Preston have both watched the twenty-five-year-old this season, and Hull City made a bid of £450,000 in the summer which fell short of the League One outfits valuation. Huddersfield Town have also been mentioned in dispatches.
Middlesborough have won only two Championship games so far this season in a stuttering start for new boss Jonathan Woodgate, and after scoring only nine goals, finding some more firepower in January has become a top priority.
Our View
With Rovers posting losses of £65,000 a week in their 2018/19 accounts it would be a firm owner that turns down substantial bids for Clarke-Harris in January.
Even if he signs a new contract, this would probably make little difference if big money comes calling in January.
The striker has enjoyed a new lease of life at the Memorial, and it seems likely he will be playing Championship football sooner rather than later.
He would be an excellent addition for Woodgate, giving pace, power and an eye for goal to his misfiring frontline.
He is good enough for the step up.
