Middlesbrough target Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell

Gareth Southgate has joined the race for £6million rated Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The Boro boss hopes to see off interest from Aston Villa and Everton should Stamford Bridge manager Avram Grant decide to cash in.

Southgate will strengthen his midfield this summer and he wants Sidwell's ball-winning energy.

Former Boro skipper George Boateng is mulling over his future because Southgate cannot guarantee him first-team football, but still wants the Dutch veteran to bolster his squad.

Southgate said: "George expected to be first choice when he came back last summer and that wasn't really the case.

"He knows that if he's still here he's an important member of the squad. It's up to him whether he wants to be part of it."

But Gary O'Neil - whose family have failed to settle in the North - will not be allowed to quit until the club have tried to help him. Southgate added: "He is a player I want to keep."

Keeper Mark Schwarzer is weighing up an offer from Juventus and is likely to move on.

On his transfer plans Southgate said: "In terms of spectacular signings, I'm not sure that's what we need."

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