Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to make a £5million bid for Newcastle's James Milner if Gary O'Neil quits the Riverside.Southgate is targeting Toon midfielder Milner, 22, as a potential replacement for former Portsmouth star O'Neil, whose family have struggled to settle in the North East.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan would fight to keep hold of Milner, who made 29 appearances for the Magpies last season and netted two goals.

Southgate told The Sun: "We want to keep Gary and, ideally, we can get everything sorted out soon."

O'Neil, 24, joined Boro last summer in a £4million transfer from Pompey and Fulham and West Ham are reportedly interested in signing the player.

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