MIDDLESBROUGH look set for a race against the clock on transfer deadline day after last night edging closer to landing Portsmouth midfielder Gary O'Neil.

It is understood that Boro - who have also made a tentative enquiry about Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi - were nearing an agreement over a fee with Pompey for the former England Under-21 international after being rebuffed on one occasion already this week.

Portsmouth turned down an offer in the region of £4m a few days ago, but are on the verge of accepting improved terms from Middlesbrough on the eve of the transfer window closing.

That bid is between £5m and £6m, although that figure would be the final amount after a number of additions relating to appearances at the Riverside.

It remains to be seen how keen O'Neil is to sign for Gareth Southgate's side, given how he has already spoken out this summer about a reluctance to move to Teesside.

Southgate initially tried to sign the 24-year-old as part of a deal that would have seen Ayegbeni Yakubu move to Fratton Park, only to be knocked back by manager Harry Redknapp.

However, it now seems that Redknapp has had a change of heart and is willing to listen to offers for the London-born midfielder.

And Southgate is also looking to add a new forward and he could try with a renewed attempt to prise Ameobi from Newcastle, although Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras remains a more likely addition. Former Newcastle left-back Alessandro Pistone is also under serious consideration.