Boro step up Sidwell chase
16 May 2008 - 08:45:21
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- Boro step up Sidwell chase
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been linked with a £4million move for Steve Sidwell after admitting his main priority is to strengthen his midfield.
Sidwell, 25, has started just seven Premier League games since moving to Chelsea on a free transfer from Reading last summer.
Southgate has released Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta in recent days and his admitted his main focus in the summer is to bolster his midfield.
"Strikers are not a priority for us," he admitted.
"That might change at some point, but I wouldn't foresee it. I am quite happy with the blend we have got."
Meanwhile, the Boro boss has revealed the future of unsettled midfielder George Boateng remains in the player's hands.
The veteran Dutchman has 12 months remaining in his existing contract, but has suggested he may look to move on after dropping out of the first team at times during the recently completed season.
"With George, it is very similar to this year really. When he came back, I think he expected to be first choice right through the season and it was difficult for him to come to terms with that," continued Southgate.
"But he knows if he is here, he will be an important part of the squad. It is whether he wants to be part of the squad or whether he wants a guarantee of first-team football.
"He wants to go away and think over the summer about what sort of options he has, but if he walks back through the door I will be happy because he will be a strong squad member for us."