Nigel Reo-Coker is a target for Middlesbrough, clam the Daily Mirror.

Gareth Southgate is determined to ensure Boro’s stay in the second-tier of English football is a brief one, following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

The Daily Mirror claim the Riverside Stadium club are plotting an ambitious £3million bid for Nigel Reo-Coker, who started just half of Aston Villa’s league games in 2008/09.

Despite the good intentions of Southgate’s side, it has to be considered unlikely that the 25-year-old midfield player would consider a drop into the Championship.

Reo-Coker may also view the coming season as an opportunity to force his way into Martin O’Neill’s starting line-up, following the sale of Gareth Barry to Manchester City.