Southgate Rumour - Just a Rumour?

By Matthew Jones
May 27 2003

Defender Gareth Southgate, who has been linked with Newcastle United via his desire for Champions League football, has now hinted that staying at The Riverside is not out of the question.

Recent transfer speculation has linked Middlesbrough and England defender Gareth Southgate with Newcastle United. At first, Robson was interested in him, and then Southgate revealed how he would like to play for The Magpies'.

Gareth Southgate now seems to have changed his story. The player himself has hinted that he is happy to stay at the Riverside, despite earlier assertions that he wanted to experience Champions League football.

Southgate is currently on a training camp with the England squad in La Manga, and said: "I am a Middlesbrough player and it is up to them whether they want to listen to offers.

"Everybody knows how ambitious I am and being involved in England is very important. In an ideal world, I would be playing European football.

"It gives you a great advantage when you come away to internationals. You don't have to pick your pace up quite as much as you do if you just play in the Premiership.

"But I'm not unhappy at Middlesbrough and I enjoy working with [manager] Steve McClaren."

We know that Newcastle are looking to sign one or two defenders. After sorting out the attack this season by bringing in Ambrose and Bowyer, all we need now is a fullback (Possible Wayne Bridge?) and somebody to partner Woodgate.

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