Middlesbrough confirm striker departure ahead of Stoke City clash

The towering frontman was one of seven Boro players who will see their current deals expire on June 30, along with Daniel Ayala, Marvin Johnson, Jonny Howson, George Friend, Adam Clayton and Ryan Shotton.

Like Gestede, Ayala has elected not to play beyond the end of his contract, ruling him out of Boro’s Championship run-in.

The other five players were included in Boro’s matchday squad for the trip to Stoke City and the Teessiders are hopeful they will be able to complete the campaign.

Gestede joined Boro from Aston Villa for £6million in the 2017 January transfer window but struggled to settle at the Riverside.

The Benin international scored six goals in 71 appearances on Teesside and played his last Boro game during last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by Swansea City.