Middlesbrough skipper Gary O'Neil is a £3 million target for Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.
The News of the World says the former England Under-21 international shone in the Championship last season, prompting interest from both clubs.
Privately O'Neil has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League and Boro boss Gordon Strachan has already made contingency plans by lining up Charlton's goalscoring midfielder Nicky Bailey.
Strachan has conceded he needs to "wheel and deal" in the transfer market during the close season.
