Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is set to hold talks with Ayegbeni Yakubu amid speculation he could join Portsmouth or Manchester City.

According to the Northern Echo, the Nigerian striker will meet the Boro boss to discuss his future while the rest of the squad return for pre-season training.

Reports at the weekend suggested Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to make Yakubu his first signing when he is confirmed as the new boss at City, while Pompey boss Harry Redknapp could be set to raise his offer for the player to £12million.

According to the Echo, Southgate is keen to keep Yakubu following the departure of Mark Viduka to Newcastle, but is also determined to build a strong team mentality at Boro.

Yakubu failed to start in the final two games of Boro's campaign last season and it is thought the relationship between club and player has broken down - potentially sparking a bidding war between City and Pompey.