Southgate swoops for Aliadiere

The 24-year-old Arsenal frontman is expected to complete a move to the Riverside Stadium when he returns from holiday after both he and the two clubs agreed a deal.

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Aliadiere has been a long-term target for Southgate and is not being viewed as a replacement for Mark Viduka, who joined Newcastle on Thursday after rejecting the offer of a contract extension.

Boro's chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We have agreed a fee with Arsenal for Aliadiere and completed a deal with them.

"Everything is also agreed in principle with Jeremie and his transfer will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

"The only reason the deal hasn't already been completed is that the player is on holiday."

Southgate has made no secret of his admiration for the Frenchman, who has been with the Gunners since he was 16.

Indeed, he tried to sign him in January, but injuries to Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie meant Arsene Wenger was unwilling to let him leave.

Lamb said: "We tried to sign Jeremie in January, but were thwarted by Arsenal's injury problems at the time.

"He fits perfectly the sort of player Gareth wants to bring to the club.

"He has pace and energy, and he is young with his best years in front of him."

Despite Arsenal's injury problems, Aliadiere struggled to force his way into Wenger's plans, although he played a significant role as the club's youngsters marched to last season's Carling Cup final.

His acquisition will end a protracted pursuit by Southgate, although the manager knows his work cannot end there after Viduka's departure.

Aliadiere has not scored goals in abundance at Arsenal, and with Ayegbeni Yakubu stalling after Christmas in each of his two seasons at Boro to date, the Teessiders know they need to add further firepower.

West Brom's Diomansy Kamara is another man in Southgate's sights, although the former England defender is only too aware that the Australian will take some replacing.

Meanwhile, Boro have played down suggestions they could be ready to bring Chelsea midfielder Geremi back to the club where he spent a season on loan earlier in his career.