Former Middlesbrough midfielder Jonathan Greening has revealed that manager Jonathan Woodgate has been instructed to sell Britt Assombalonga in the summer.

The Republic of Congo international was signed for £15m back in 2017, but with the club now struggling financially due to the loss of parachute payments, Greening says the 27-year-old could now be sold in order to raise funds:

“He’s [Jonathan Woodgate] been told he has to sell Assombalonga in the transfer window as he’s a big earner. He’s hasn’t got a massive transfer budget, so he’s got to look for bargains and try and get the right players to help Middlesbrough climb that league and they do survive this year, they have to push for the Premier League next year.”

It is not a particularly shocking revelation considering Assombalonga has been tipped to leave the Riverside Stadium in the last two transfer windows.

The forward has had his issues with injuries this campaign, but his goal return has also been disappointing, having scored just six goals in 27 appearances.

One of the biggest concerns, though, is not necessarily whether Boro will find a buyer but the type of replacement that the Teessiders may bring in.

Middlesbrough have already struggled to scored goals under Woodgate this season, and it would be hoped that if Assombalonga is sold that a new prolific striker will come in to make up for his loss.