ASTON VILLA striker Rudy Gestede has passed his medical on Teesside ahead of completing a £6m move to Middlesbrough tomorrow.

The former Blackburn forward arrived at the club's Rockliffe Park training base earlier today to finalise the switch from Villa Park.

And it is understood Gestede has successfully underwent his medical tests and is set to sign a three-and-a-half year deal at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has been looking for a different attacking option to compete with Alvaro Negredo for a first team shirt.

Karanka has been reluctant to use Jordan Rhodes and David Nugent, two strikers who have attracted interest from other clubs this month and could leave.