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Post by QPR Report on Jan 19, 2009 20:59:03 GMT
According to Sky Sports
Boro rebuffed in Watson move Southgate stepping up midfielder chase
Last updated: 19th January 2009
Middlesbrough have had a bid for Ben Watson rejected by Crystal Palace, skysports.com understands.
Watson's future at Palace has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months with the player's current contract expiring in the summer.
The 23-year-old has rejected the club's offer of a new deal and a number of sides are believed to be keen on signing him.
Middlesbrough are thought to be leading the chase for Watson, with Boro boss Gareth Southgate keen to bolster his midfield options.
So far Boro have seen their overtures rebuffed by Palace who are keen to keep hold of the talented midfielder.
Middlesbrough are believed to be ready to step up their efforts to sign Watson and steal a march on their rivals who are also chasing the player.
Championship promotion hopefuls Wolves and Queens Park Rangers are both thought to be tracking Watson's situation and they could move for the midfielder in this month's transfer window.
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Post by grumpyolde on Jan 19, 2009 23:33:42 GMT
Another midfielder?
Are we going to play a 4 - 12 - 4 formation.
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Post by QPR Report on Jan 20, 2009 10:45:42 GMT
From This is London
Southgate is told to raise funds in bid to sign Watson Andrew Fifield
Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson will join Middlesbrough in a £1.5million deal - provided the Premier League strugglers off-load striker flop Mido.
Boro have already held informal talks with Palace officials about a proposed deal but are not believed to have tabled an official bid.
Gareth Southgate has been told he has to raise his own funds and the manager has circulated Mido's name to a host of clubs in a bid to raise £4m.
Just under half of that sum has been ear-marked for Watson, 23, while Southgate is also keen on signing Aston Villa's Marlon Harewood in a £2.5m move.
Palace are resigned to losing Watson in the transfer window after he refused to sign a new contract and would accept a £1.5m offer rather than risk losing him for less in the summer.
The midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Queens Park Rangers, Reading and Birmingham, is a free agent in June but Palace would be entitled to compensation as he graduated from the club's academy.
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