Middlesbrough look set to land their first singing of 2017, just in time for the transfer window to open on Sunday.
According to reports in The Guardian, Aston Villa's Rudy Gestede appears to be on his way to the north-east following his inability to hold a down regular spot in the Villa side.
Gestede, who has scored four goals for Villa this season appears to have fallen behind the likes of Jonathan Kodjia and Ross McCormack in the Villa pecking order.
As a result Boro boss Aitor Karanka has decided to take a risk on the Benin target man and will hope he can repay his trust with the goals to keep his side in the Premier League.
Gestede's move appears to pave the way for Jordan Rhodes to move in the opposite direction.
The Scotland international arrived at the Riverside just under a year ago and despite his superb record at Championship level is yet to produce in the Premier League. Rhodes has only started two games for Middlesbrough this year and is yet to score a Premier League goal.
Middlesbrough are currently 15th in the Premiership and sit four points above the relegation zone. Karanka will be hoping for a victory against his old friend Jose Mourinho when his side travel to Old Trafford on New Year's Eve. Three points could even see Boro end 2016 in 12th place.
Aston Villa currently find themselves in 10th place in the Championship after a 2-1 victory against Burton on Boxing Day moved them ahead of rivals Birmingham City on goal difference.
Villa welcome Leeds to Villa Park on Thursday night, knowing that a victory could see them move to within three points of the play-off spots.