Boro look for midfielder

But big-name signings not on Southgate's agenda

Last updated: 25th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Boro look for midfielder

Southgate: Wants competition

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is not promising any 'spectacular' signings as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Southgate has allowed Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta to leave the club and is keen to bring in replacements.

Boro have been linked with the likes of Steve Sidwell, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Bradley, but Southgate is wary about signing big names.

"Certainly with Fabio going, there's someone who's played over 20 games for us in the middle of the park, so that's a position we will be looking to recruit in," Southgate told the club's official website.

Competition

"We definitely need more competition for places in that area of the field, so I don't think that's a surprise for anybody who has watched us this year.

"I'm not sure that spectacular signings are what we need.

"I know it's something this club has often done and it's initially exciting for the fans when a big-name player comes in, but we have to ask if it is productive in the long term."

Southgate also outlined his intention to convince Gary O'Neil to stay on Teesside, with the former Portsmouth midfielder having struggled to adjust to life in the North East.

"Gary's had a bit of an unsettling period over the last couple of months, but we're trying to work with him to make sure his family settle up here," added Southgate.

"He's a player we very much see as part of our future. He's a young lad and I think there's a lot more to come from him."