Southgate’s forward thinking

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Gareth Southgate is targeting firepower as he attempts to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

Southgate has spent much of the season insisting he did not necessarily need to find replacements for Mark Viduka and Ayegbeni Yakubu following their summer defections.

However, goals have been in short supply so far this season as the Teessiders have struggled to escape from the fringes of the battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

With £6million (€8m) signing Mido still working his way back from a problematic groin injury and despite Turkey international Tuncay Sanli belatedly having found his shooting boots, Southgate appears to be ready to try to add to his attacking options.

Boro were not commenting yesterday on reports they have held talks with Heerenveen’s Brazilian striker Afonso Alves’ representatives with a view to completing a swoop.

Their interest in the 26-year-old, who has also been tracked by Manchester City, is long-standing.

But while chairman Steve Gibson has made it clear he will back his manager, Heerenveen’s valuation of €20m would smash the club’s transfer record, the £8.15m (€10.9m) they paid Empoli for Massimo Maccarone in August 2002.

In addition, Alves, who has just returned to Holland after a short break, has revealed he expects to join either Fenerbahce or City within days.

Boro have also been linked with Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe, who has been told by manager Juande Ramos he can leave White Hart Lane.