Middlesbrough are planning a bid for Everton striker James Beattie.

The Daily Mail says Boro are prepared to rescue James Beattie from his Everton nightmare if they fail to lure Alan Smith from Manchester United.

Everton will accept an offer in the region of £4.5million, recouping some of the £6m - then a club record - they paid to the Southampton.

The real worry for Blues boss Dave Moyes is that another club could unlock Beattie's undoubted potential. He is a popular player within the dressing room and is said to be happy at Goodison.