Gareth Southgate is keeping
tight-lipped on reports Middlesbrough have made a bid for Justin
Hoyte.
Following Luke Young's sale to Aston Villa, Boro are looking to
bring in a new right-back before the start of the season.
Arsenal youngster Hoyte has been mooted as Boro's top target,
with reports claiming a £3million offer has been lodged.
Southgate confirmed his intention to replace Young, but did not
want to comment on any interest in taking Hoyte to the
Riverside.
"I am not talking about players who belong to other clubs,"
Southgate told the Evening Gazette.
He added: "What is clear is there are a lot of right-backs
currently available. We have had a lot of calls as a result of Luke
moving on.
"We have a good idea of what we would like and we are confident
we can do some business before the start of the season."
Southgate also believes that Boro have secured a good deal for
Young, who spent just one season on Teesside.
"When Luke became aware of Villa's offer, he expressed the wish
to move on," said Southgate.
"I don't want to have to fight to get players to want to play
for this club.
"In any case, this was a fantastic deal for the club for a
player of his age.
"I want to thank Luke for what he has done here because he was
fantastic for us last season, but he was distracted this summer and
I feel that moving him on was the right thing to do."