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The press local to Las Palmas keep relaying that Jese Rodriguez wants to join the club, but keep throwing obstacles in the way of a deal, as though to give Las Palmas a reason to fail.

Canarias7 have now said Spanish taxes are a reason which may drive Jese to Middlesbrough and the welcoming arms of Aitor Karanka.

It’s explained: ‘Jese is not seduced by going to the Premier for personal reasons: a new move and another language that he does not master, mostly. But the insistence of Aitor Karanka, coach of the English team and who he already had in Real Madrid, can tip the balance.

‘And there is also a compelling reason to think that Jese will not return to Spain. Current taxation would make him have to spend about €700k in taxes, according to calculations of his legal advisers. Undoubtedly, an almost definitive brake on the dreams of Las Palmas for the footballer.’

There is no further explanation from Canarias7 as to what exactly Jese would be paying the tax for. It could be related to the player currently being an ex-pat, and returning to Spain so soon may see the Spanish authorities look at his tax situation whilst with PSG. Or it could simply be that Canarias7 believe Spanish taxes are higher than they’d be if Jese moved to Middlesbrough instead.

It does seem to be scraping the barrel for any excuse, when the underlying reason may be Las Palmas don’t want to part with the money it would take, but don’t really want to tell their supporters that.

Opportunity knocks for Middlesbrough.