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Red Devils defender in Boro link
Middlesbrough, 12:40, June 1, 2009 ,
Gareth Southgate is reportedly wanting Man United's veteran defender Gary Neville to lead Middlesbrough's promotion push next season.
The Boro boss is scouring the market for some quality experienced players who could help organise the club's current crop of youngsters on the field and inspire them into a realistic bid for an instant return to the Premier League after a disastrous campaign. And reports suggest Southgate would like his 34-year-old former England team-mate, Neville, to make a move to the Riverside this summer.
Neville can play at right-back and in central defence and is seen as a strong character on and off the pitch which would make him an ideal recruit at Boro.
However, following his recovery from an ankle injury during last season, he featured in many games for United in the run-in and will probably look to keep playing at the top level until his current contract expires in June 2010.
In the meantime, Southgate is aiming to bolster the spine of his squad with new players as Espanyol's £3million-rated midfielder Jordi Gomez and Leeds striker Jermain Beckford have already been linked, while a new goalkeeper will be required if Ross Turnbull fails to sign his new contract offer.