Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed his liking for
Colchester's Greg Halford.
The 22-year-old has been attracting interest for a number of months
and the likes of Reading and Sheffield United are understood to
have seen offers shunned.
Now Boro have emerged into the race for the former England youth
international, who can play at right-back or in midfield.
"I think he's a good player but he's somebody else's player,"
admitted Southgate.
"I wouldn't want to say too much about him."
U's boss Geraint Williams confirmed that the club were considering
fresh offers for the player.
"There have been bids for Greg this week and he is being kept
informed of the situation," said Williams.
"The board are considering them at the moment.
"Every bid that is put in writing for any player is
considered.
"It will either be accepted or rejected and the club will take
action in due course."
On other targets, Southgate confirmed that the club were inching
closer to sealing a move for South Korean striker Lee
Dong-gook.
"We're very close, we've just been in touch with his club and he's
been going through a medical this week," he said.
"I would say just after the weekend we hope to have something in
place. We'll have to apply for a work permit.
"When everything is done as well we will make an
announcement."
Meanwhile, the Boro boss insisted that wantaway midfielder Fabio
Rochemback had not told the club he would refuse to play for them
and would go on strike until getting a move.
"Fabio's never once refused to play. There's hasn't been a meeting,
it's a complete fabrication," he said.
"The situation is he has not been involved recently and he's
frustrated with that, which I can understand.
"I'm pleased he's disappointed not to be playing. I don't want
players here who are happy to be left out."