EXCLUSIVE: Middlesbrough in talks with Bristol City over striker swap

Middlesbrough and Bristol City have held talks over a possible blockbuster swap deal that could see Britt Assombalonga and Famara Diedhiou moving in the opposite direction.

City have a long-standing interest in Assombalonga – who is out of contract with Boro this summer – and they had been readying a summer contract offer.

However, a move could be accelerated to this transfer window after it emerged that Boro have a liking for City striker Diedhiou.

Neil Warnock is keen on landing a target-man, and with Chuba Akpom, Duncan Watmore and fit-again Ashley Fletcher, they are willing to let captain Assombalonga leave.

We understand that top-level talks between Boro and City, and swap deal has been talked about, and it looks like both parties are keen.

Swap could happen before deadline

Senegal international Diedhiou and DR Congo ace Assombalonga have almost mirrored each other since joining their two clubs. Both moved in the summer of 2017 for big money, and both have hit around 50 goals in 150 games.

Assombalonga joined Boro for £15million from Nottingham Forest, whilst City gave Angers over £5million for Diedhiou.

Whilst swap deals are notoriously difficult to pull off, this is one that has a chance of happening by Monday’s transfer deadline.