The Teesside Gazette understands that Middlesbrough have seen their offer of £4.5million for Brentford forward Jota rejected by their Championship rivals. Get West London is aware that fellow Championship club Hull City and Premier League side West Ham United are also monitoring the situation with interest.
The 26-year-old Spaniard has been absent from Brentford’s last two games, a defeat to Ipswich Town and a Carabao Cup victory at QPR, because of a back problem. This further fuelled speculation that he could indeed be leaving Griffin Park, with his name being banded about for a possible move for several months now. Jota however remains with the Bees for now.
It is believed that Brentford value the player, who has two years remaining on his current deal, at approximately £8million. They therefore will not contemplate any offers of at least this value. They of course would rather the talented playmaker remain at the club, as he is certainly one of, if not their prime, star asset.
That being said, Boro are not said to be in a huge rush to return with an improved offer for the club. Manager Garry Monk wants to increase his options in the wide areas. Stewart Downing looks like to leave the club, whilst Adama Traore has been heavily linked with a move away too.
Brentford do want Jota to extend his stay with the club, and could be willing to risk him running down this deal, in the hope that they persuade him to sign on in that period. The Teesside Gazette states that Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, both promoted from the Championship last season, are also keen on the player too.