SWANSEA City will make a renewed approach for Middlesbrough centre-half Matthew Bates when the transfer window reopens at the start of January.

The Swans made a formal inquiry about Bates' possible availability in August, but did not follow it up with an offer for his services.

Since then, the Stockton-born centre-half has turned in a series of eye-catching defensive displays, winning September's Championship Player of the Month award after contributing to a run of five successive clean sheets.

Sources in south Wales claim Swansea's scouting staff have been monitoring the 24-year-old's performances closely, and have urged manager Brendan Rodgers to make a renewed attempt to sign him at the turn of the year.

The Premier League new boys did not sign a senior centre-half in the summer, and while Ashley Williams and Gary Monk have combined effectively in the opening weeks of the season, a successful bid for Bates would provide some much-needed cover.

A January approach would leave Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray in a difficult position, as Bates' current contract is due to expire next summer so the January transfer window would be the last opportunity to sell him for a cash fee.

Having appointed Bates as club captain towards the end of last season, Mowbray would be reluctant to lose him midway through the current campaign, particularly if Boro were still involved in the promotion shake-up at the top of the Championship table.

But the Teessiders' financial position means they are unlikely to be able to enter into detailed discussions about a new deal until they know what division they are playing in next season.

As a result, they may find it difficult to hold on to one of their most prized assets if, as expected, Swansea come calling.

While no financial figures were discussed when they last expressed an interest in August, there was some talk of a possible £1.5m fee.

Swansea are unlikely to offer that much in January, with Bates entering the final six months of his contract, but Boro could still be confident of receiving a seven-figure sum.

Given the cost-cutting exercises that were necessary in the summer, it would be interesting to see whether chairman Steve Gibson is willing to effectively gamble such a windfall against the possibility of Bates leading Middlesbrough back to the Premier League in the second half of the season.

As a product of Boro's much-vaunted Academy, Bates has shown no desire to leave Teesside. However, the defender will be aware that his current employers are unlikely to be in a position to match the terms of his current contract unless they are back in the top-flight.

Meanwhile, Rhys Williams will be in World Cup action tonight as Australia play a World Cup qualifier against Oman.

The 23-year-old, who was ruled out of last year's World Cup finals in South Africa because of injury, returned to the Socceroos side as they cruised to a 5-0 friendly win over Malaysia on Friday.

Williams was part of a five-man defence that also featured former Middlesbrough player Luke Wilshere.

* Middlesbrough are offering a range of special prices for their popular Boro Brick Road, and supporters who order before Friday, November 18 are guaranteed to have their brick in place for Christmas.

The Boro Brick Road already features inscribed bricks dedicated to more than 7,000 supporters and more than 60 former stars and managers of the club.

It runs between the statues of Boro legends Wilf Mannion and George Hardwick, in the shadow of the Ayresome Park gates outside the Riverside Stadium.

Prices range from £39.95 for a single brick with black lettering to £89.95 for a double brick with gold.

Season card holders and Boro Pride members receive further discounts, meaning bricks are available from £35.

Bricks can be ordered online (www.mfcofficialdirect.com), by calling into either of the MFC stores or the Riverside main reception, or over the phone on 0844 499 2676.