Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits he is still trying to prise James Harper away from Reading.
Southgate ups bid for midfield ace
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits he is still trying to prise James Harper away from Reading.
The former Arsenal midfielder has started the Championship season with Reading, despite interest from Boro and Bolton over the summer.
Boro have seen the likes of Fabio Rochemback, George Boateng and Lee Cattermole depart this summer and with Julio Arca sidelined - Southgate knows he need midfield reinforcements.
Southgate has already seen a couple of bids turned down by Reading - who are standing firm on their valuation of the player, believed to be around £5million.
Boro's previous bids have been under £4million, but reports now claim they have returned with a final £5million offer.
"We've been back a few times because I know he would be good for us," said Southgate.
After unveiling new signing Justin Hoyte before Saturday's opening day win over Totttenham, Southgate will now hope to seal a deal for Harper before the weekend's trip to Liverpool.
