Boro and Baggies battle for forward

Middlesbrough and West Brom look set to battle it out for Levante wideman Mustapha Riga.

Riga, who mostly plays in an attacking role, often caught the eye last season with his direct style of play.

Boro are waiting to pounce if Riga can successfully invoke Fifa’s article 14, which allows a contract to be terminated where there is ‘just cause’.

The 26-year-old went eight months unpaid with the relegated Spanish outfit, and Boro are hoping to capitalise.

West Brom are also monitoring the situation closely, and the player has revealed he would love a move to England.

“The Premier League has always been a dream,” he said in The Sun. “I’ve rejected other chances, now I don’t want to miss this chance.”

Boro look to be favourtes to sign him

Meanwhile, Southgate has not given up on Reading’s James Harper, who remains available for around £5 million.

The Boro boss is expected to up his £3 million offer if Lee Cattermole joins Wigan.