Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate won't make any early decision over a potential move to Rangers for winger Adam Johnson.

The Daily Mail says Rangers scouts have tracked the progress of the England Under- 21 cap over the past 12 months and are believed to have made a firm recommendation to Ibrox boss Walter Smith.

Southgate is keen to establish the success of his own squad strengthening before deciding on Johnson's future, so it is likely to be later in the summer before Rangers know whether any deal can be pushed through.

A loan period at Ibrox would grant the player an opportunity to sample European football, while also providing Smith with a quality attacking option as he faces up to being without Steven Naismith and Chris Burke for a large chunk of next season.