Middlesbrough coach Gareth Southgate has played down talks linking Egyptian striker Mido to his club, but said he is ready to move for any deal if the price is suitable. Southgate, speaking to the club's official website, was commenting on rumors linking Boro with moves to Tottenham Hotspur's Mido and Manchester United striker Alan Smith. "I think the fact is we're going to be linked to pretty much everybody, as are any number of clubs." "We're looking to strengthen and if we feel there are deals to be done that will make us better at a price that's sensible we will go for them. But there's been no movement." However, Southgate could be interested in Mido's services should Middlesbrough fail to sign Smith, who is keen on United stay. "Smith is a player that if he's available we would be interested in," he said. "We've been in touch with Manchester United, who've been away in Asia, and he has wanted to stay and fight for his place which is completely understandable. "But any player who can improve the team is on our radar," the 36-year-old boss added. Mido was on the verge of joining Birmingham City but the deal seems to have collapsed after the player couldn't agree personal terms with Blues' officials.
