FORMER England Under-21 international Gary O'Neil has been at Rockliffe Park today for a medical, after Middlesbrough had a £5m bid accepted.

The 24-year-old has been given permission to talk to Boro from Portsmouth, who have been forced into selling in an attempt to strengthen in other areas.

Gareth Southgate has wanted O'Neil at the Riverside Stadium for over a year and he looks like being thrust straight into the squad for Saturday's visit of Birmingham.

When O'Neil does sign, he will become the second Middlesbrough signing on deadline day, following Egyptian international Mohamed Shawky.

The 25-year-old, a defesnive midfielder, has signed a three-year deal and has arrived from Al-Ahly for £650,000.

Out of favour Jason Euell, meanwhile, has moved away from the club, he has completed a move to Southampton.

* For more on the O'Neil transfer read Saturday's The Northern Echo.