Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is planning a January bid for Sheffield United striker James Beattie.

The People says Beattie has proved Bryan Robson right, scoring 11 goals in 15 games. But the Blades have leaked goals and find themselves mid-table and a fair way off the pace.

Robson knew taking Beattie was a big risk because of the size of his wages and it's understood the board backed him on the basis that, if promotion was not a possibility come January, Beattie would have to be moved on.

Former Boro boss Robson still has links on Teesside and Boro have been on standby.

Beattie would jump at the chance to return to the Premier League and prove himself just six months after his Goodison Park nightmare ended.