Southgate keen on Mido stay
24 Aug 2008 - 10:50:25
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is determined to try and keep striker Mido at the club, following recent interest in the Egypt international from Wigan Athletic.
The 25-year-old has scored in both of Boro's opening two Premier League games this season and Southgate wants to keep Mido at the Riverside to build on that start.
He told the club's official website: "The lad wants to play football, but he's shown over the last two weeks what an important player he is for us.
"I've no intention of letting any of the players we've got with us go.
"We feel we can achieve good things this season and it's important we keep our first-team squad together."
Mido had revealed earlier in the week: "I was informed that Wigan want to sign me on loan, but they are yet to contact Middlesbrough.
"I will take my final decision next week after meeting with Gareth Southgate. He told me that he wants to keep me at the Riverside. I will talk with him to settle on the best choice.
"I may opt to stay at Middlesbrough for the sake of stability. I settled in there after spending a whole season with them, but I won't close the door on a move to Wigan."