Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly planning a £2.5million offer for Georgios Samaras from Manchester City after deciding against bringing in Heerenveen's Afonso Alves.

Boro were persistently linked with Brazilian Alves since they had Yakubu tying up his move to Everton. However, it seems now that Southgate has shifted his focus to Greek Samaras, who is one of the likely few other City players to face the clear-out.

According to The Mirror, Southgate had earlier eyed Samaras as a loan option but then shifted his focus on trying to land Alves, who has a £9m get-out clause at the Dutch club.

The paper also claims that Boro is not going to pursue deal for Inter Milan striker Adriano.