Aston Villa had scouts in the stands at Middlesbrough's clash with Scunthorpe United last night.

The Evening Gazette says Villa were expected to run the rule over Boro's Turkish international Tuncay at Glanford Park.

Gareth Southgate has stressed that he will continue to play Tuncay as long as he is at the club: "It's been useful so far that we have been able to use most of the players who we hope will be staying with us.

"But we have to take full advantage of any opportunities while they are available.

"It's better for Tuncay to be scoring goals in the team while all the speculation about his future goes on.

"So he has a role to play while he is here, though I don't expect him to be with us long term."