SOUTHGATE CLOSING IN ON YOUNG

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is closing in on his fourth summer signing after Luke Young headed for Teesside on Monday.

The 28-year-old Charlton full-back travelled north to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, after the two clubs agreed a £2.5million fee over the weekend.

Southgate is desperate to recruit an experienced right-back after releasing both Abel Xavier and Stuart Parnaby at the end of last season, and England international Young certainly fits the bill.

He has made little secret of his desire to return to the Premier League following Charlton's relegation, and Addicks boss Alan Pardew always knew he would struggle to hold onto the former Tottenham player.

Should Young pass his medical and agree a move to the Riverside Stadium, he would join Jonathan Woodgate, Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli as summer recruits with Southgate building a new-look squad.

Speaking after his side's 1-1 friendly draw at Burnley at the weekend, the manager said: "We have agreed everything with Charlton. It's just a case of meeting the player, showing him around and convincing him that Boro is the right move for him.

"Luke is the type who could do well for us. He is very comfortable on the ball but he is strong defensively.

"He's an English international with lots of experience, and right-back is a position where we are short."

Harlow-born Young, who moved to The Valley in a £3million switch from Spurs in July 2001, has made 208 appearances for the club and scored four goals.

He would join youngster Andrew Davies, a converted centre-half, in competition for the right-back spot.

Southgate will look to tie up the deal as soon as possible with the start of the new Barclays Premier League season less than three weeks away.

Boro have friendlies at neighbours Darlington tomorrow night, Hibernian on Saturday and Carlisle next Tuesday evening before AZ Alkmaar visit the Riverside on August 4.

They have already faced Schalke and Hertha Berlin during their pre-season trip to Austria.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback was sent off by Austrian referee Fritz Stuchlick after a clash with Hertha's Pal Dardai, who also received a straight red card.

Boro had to wait to see if the official included the incident in his report, and have now confirmed he did, meaning Rochemback will serve a three-match ban when the season gets under way.

The South American will be sidelined for the opening game against Blackburn at the Riverside followed by trips to Wigan and Fulham, and will not be available to Southgate until derby rivals Newcastle head for Teesside on Sunday, August 26

Taken from =football365=