MIDDLESBROUGH boss Gareth Southgate is hoping to infuriate former international team-mate Tony Adams by snatching Arsenal full-back Armand Traore from under Portsmouth noses during the January transfer window.

Traore has spent the first half of the season on loan at Fratton Park, and Pompey boss Adams is hoping to secure his services on a permanent basis.

But Southgate is ready to table a cash offer of his own in an attempt to lure the versatile Traore to the North-East.

Traore has featured in most of Portsmouth’s matches this season, but the majority of his outings have been in a midfield berth.

Southgate sees the 19-yearold as a left-back, the position in which he started his career with the Gunners, and is hoping his arrival will provide some much-needed competition for current first-choice full-back Andrew Taylor.

Taylor is Boro’s only natural left-back, and while skipper Emanuel Pogatetz can slot into the role if required, Southgate is known to be concerned at his lack of options should Taylor suffer a longterm injury.

Traore would be an ideal solution, and having signed right-back Justin Hoyte from Arsenal in the summer, Southgate is hoping Arsene Wenger will be similarly receptive if he makes a formal inquiry for the Paris-born defender next month.

Sources in London suggest Wenger does not see Traore as part of his long-term plans, with 19-year-old Kieran Gibbs having emerged as a youthful alternative to the experienced Gael Clichy.

The Frenchman would be willing to sell his compatriot in January, but Boro will have to match the £3m they shelled out for Hoyte’s services in August.

Southgate is assembling a wanted list for the transfer window, but he has had to remove the name of highlyrated teenage midfielder Axel Witsel.

Boro scouts have watched Witsel in the past, but the Standard Liege playmaker has attracted the attention of some of the continent’s leading lights, and his price has soared as a result.

Standard vice-president Luciano D’Onofrio claims he has already turned down a £17m offer for Witsel.

Boro will be giving a trial to two Serbian youngsters this month. Nemanja Matic, a Serbia Under-21 international midfielder, will be accompanied by MSK Kosice teammate Juraj Hovancik. Both players are available for a permanent transfer in January.

■ Last night’s reserves game with Bolton was postponed because of concerns over the weather and safety issues regarding the Lancashire club’s return from the Riverside.

Boro’s youth team have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup courtesy of a 2-1 win over Brentford.

Gary Martin’s double secured a narrow victory over the Bees, with Lewis Ochoa scoring a Brentford consolation from the penalty spot.