Middlesbrough hope to land Nigel Reo-Coker for just £2million in the New Year.

The former Wimbledon and West Ham United midfielder looks set to leave Aston Villa in January, following a bust-up with Martin O’Neill.

The likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the player, but the News of the World claim Gareth Southgate hopes to beat the queue.

“The Boro boss is keen to take Reo-Coker for just £2million, but even if that offer was accepted, he would have a job persuading the player to drop down a division.

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