BORO LINE UP BEATTIE BID

Middlesbrough are lining up a move for Everton's James Beattie if they fail to lure Alan Smith from Manchester United.

The Daily Mail claims Boro have agreed a £6million fee with Manchester United for Smith, but the 26-year-old is uninterested in a move to Teesside.

Everton are now expected to step up their interest in Smith, leaving Beattie surplus to requirements at Goodison.

Southgate is a fan of the 29-year-old who has been a £6million flop at Everton after scoring 37 goals in two Premiership seasons for Southampton.

Beattie failed to nail down a regular starting place with the Toffees, and scored only two goals last season - both penalties. His last goal in open play was in March 2006.

Southgate's need for a goalscorer is clear. He has lost Mark Viduka to Newcastle while Yakubu's future remains unclear with former club Portsmouth and Manchester City keen on the Nigerian.

Taken from=footBall365=