MIDDLESBROUGH are looking to push through the £6m transfer of Mido early this week.

Manager Gareth Southgate revealed they have completed the first stage of negotiations with the Egypt international's club Tottenham and he is hoping to meet up with the striker to discuss personal terms.

It is unlikely any deal will be pushed through in time for Boro's mid-week trip to Wigan but the Boro boss would like to include the former Roma star in his squad for the club's weekend clash at Fulham.

"The Mido situation's ongoing," said Southgate. "We're very keen to do it and he's of the same mind by the sounds of it. We're still in negotiations with his club at present.

"We thought that was sorted but there's been a bit of a twist in it (the transfer) so we've just got to be a bit patient."

Southgate was unable to reveal what exactly the 'twist' in the deal was but made known that the terms of any transfer was different for each club chasing the Egyptian star.

He added: "It's ongoing above my head, we'll just have to wait and see. Whatever the ins and outs of it are we're still at the negotiation stage.

"We're still trying to add to the squad because we're a bit short of senior players.

"Sides like Blackburn have got almost two full teams to pick from, but they're in Europe so they probably need that.

"The deal seems to be a different for us so we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

"We're not at that stage (of talking personal terms) yet. It's just ongoing negotiations between us and Tottenham."

Defender Chris Riggott welcomed the club's move for the Spurs striker, saying: "He'd bring experience to the side.

"No-one would complain you can see what happens when you can bring quality off the bench. I'd welcome him here.

"I can't remember ever playing against him but he's a similar style to Viduka with an aerial threat who can hold the ball up.

The Boro defender was another disappointed about the nature of the club's opening day defeat after they dominated large periods and says he can't wait to put things right when they travel to Wigan on Wednesday.

He said: " I'll be gutted for 24 hours but we've got to get right for Wednesday. I feel so down at the moment in the aftermath but we've got to try and be positive.

"We played well and it was a good performance but we got no points."