Middlesbrough are chasing Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

The Sunday Sun says Boro boss Gareth Southgate has been given the go-ahead to bring in a top- flight midfield man to boost a department short on numbers and experience, and £5million-rated Reo-Coker is at the top of his wish list.

But with the transfer window shut, he will look to bring the former England Under-21 international in on a three-month loan move with a view to sealing a permanent deal in January.