Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says Alvaro Negredo can match Everton star Romelu Lukaku.

While the focus will be on Everton's hat-trick hero at Goodison Park tonight, he believes Negredo can prove just as big a threat .

“He doesn't have the same valuation as Lukaku now because last season wasn't great for him," he said.

“It is only natural his confidence was a bit down after last season but if he had played at his proper level, we would have had to pay between £30m and £35m to sign him.

“But I knew I could change his head and bring his best out of him and I am pleased with the way he has played in the four games so far.

“If both him and Lukaku are playing their best games, then I think Alvaro can be at least as good."