Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is eyeing Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

The Evening Gazette says Boro have made recent inquiries about Defoe, who has been handed just two Premier League starts this season.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos is now ready to sell, though the asking price could still pose a problem for Boro.

Chairman Steve Gibson will fund a big money transfer signing if Southgate can find the right man, but Boro will not pay over the odds.