Middlesbrough will not allow Britt Assombalonga to leave the club for a cut-price fee this month despite increased speculation over his future.

The Mirror have claimed that Leeds United are eyeing a move for the striker as they look to bolster their attacking line.

Leeds are determined to provide competition for Patrick Bamford following Arsenal's decision to recall Eddie Nketiah from his loan spell.

Assombalonga is currently sidelined through injury, but has scored six goals in 21 appearances for Middlesbrough in the first-half of this year's campaign.

The striker might be one of the names of Leeds United's hitlist, but according to reports, he won't be leaving Boro on the cheap.

The Northern Echo have claimed that Assombalonga is valued at £15million, meaning that any side with a genuine interest would need to stump up the cash to get a deal done.

Assombalonga is one of Jonathan Woodgate's starring players and once he returns from injury it's expected that he'll play a key part in Middlesbrough's hopes of moving themselves up the table.

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The verdict

It's not a surprise to see Middlesbrough holding firm on Britt Assombalonga.

The striker is one of their most important players and so the idea of letting him leave on the cheap is ludicrous.

If the Teessiders are to lose their main source of goals then it's crucial that they get a fee which is befitting of his status within the team, and a £15million valuation certainly does that.

Realistically they may not attract that kind of figure but if it drives the price up then it's well worth doing.