Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has distanced himself from rumours linking the club with a summer swoop for Newcastle United striker Alan Smith.

Reports earlier in the week suggested the 27-year-old former Leeds and Manchester United star would be heading to Teesside in readiness for next season, but Southgate has cooled such talk.

He told Boro's official website: "My view of Alan Smith is he's a striker and we're quite happy with the strikers we've got.

"I wouldn't foresee bringing in another striker this summer."