OXFORD United were handed a boost last night when Blackburn Rovers agreed to sell striker Jordan Rhodes to Middlesbrough.

The 25-year-old Scottish international, who has scored 11 goals in 26 games this season, has travelled to Teeside despite being with the Rovers squad to face United in the Emirates FA Cup today.

Rovers have accepted an offer from Boro understood to comprise £9m up front and £2m in adds-ons.

A statement from Boro, issued last night, reads: “The club can confirm we have agreed a deal with Blackburn Rovers to open talks with striker Jordan Rhodes about a permanent move to Middlesbrough.”

It is good news for the U's who are only too aware of what Rhodes can do, after he scored twice in an FA Cup qualifying round tie at Merthyr while on loan at the club in 2007.

There will be another former Oxford player in the Rovers squad today though as goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, who spent a season at United during 2010/11, is expected to start.

Meanwhile, Rovers are waiting to hear if Tony Watt, who signed on loan from Charlton yesterday, is eligible.

Midfielders Danny Guthrie, Lee Williamson and Jason Lowe as well as striker Nathan Delfouneso are injured.

Chris Brown is suspended, while recent signing Danny Graham is cup-tied.

United’s only injury is Ryan Taylor (groin), while Danny Hylton is set to keep his place up front.

Defender George Baldock makes his last appearance for the U’s after being recalled by MK Dons.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, O’Dowda, Roofe, Hylton, Hoban, Bowery, Ruffels, Dunkley, Evans, Buchel, Kenny.

Blackburn: from Eastwood, Henley, Ward, Hanley, Spurr, Bennett, Lenihan, Akpan, Conway, Jackson, Raya, Evans, Taylor, Lawrence, Kilgallon, Duffy, Watt.