Bristol City are believed to be preparing an shock bid for Middlesbrough forward Britt Assombalonga, as reported by Team Talk.

The striker, who only moved to the Riverside for £15m in 2017, is reportedly unhappy in the north east and keen for a return to the south of the country.

He's scored nine goals in 27 appearances across all competitions this season, but has only started 15 of Boro's league matches.

That's reportedly prompted Lee Johnson to turn his attentions to Assombalonga as he plots a way into the top six.

His Bristol City side are currently two points adrift of sixth-placed Derby County, three shy of Boro in fifth. It's a tightly packed group and Assombalonga's goals could help the Robins crack the play-off places.

The striker began his career with Brentford, later moving to Watford where he enjoyed loan spells with Southend and Braintree. It was in the National League he caught the eye, bagging five in five for the Iron. He later hit 15 for Southend ahead of a move to Peterborough United.

Forest paid £5.5m for his services 2014 before tripling their money when he signed for Boro. It is reported by Team Talk that Boro would want at least £10m to recoup some of their initial investment.

The Verdict

This would be a sensational signing for the Robins, a real signal of intent. Assombalonga has struggled for game time at the Riverside, but he's a goal threat and a real livewire.

It would buck the trend of Bristol City being a selling club too, underlining their intention to become the newest member of the Premier League, having not played top flight football since 1980.