Skysports.com understands that Middlesbrough are hopeful of landing Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili.
Southgate hopes to land Georgian
Skysports.com understands that Middlesbrough are hopeful of landing Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili on loan.
Boro are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following Robert Huth's sale to Stoke.
With captain Emanuel Pogatetz still some way short of fitness, Matthew Bates out for the season and Chris Riggott also sidelined - Boro have very few experienced options in central defence.
David Wheater, who is set to skipper the side in Pogatetz' absence, is the only player with any real first-team experience available to manager Gareth Southgate.
He has tried to land the likes of Matthew Killgallon and Sean St Ledger on loan deals from Sheffield United and Preston respectively, but they have failed. Now a move for Khizanishvili looks set to succeed.
The 27-year-old Georgian international looks to be surplus to Sam Alladryce's requirements at Ewood Park, having featured just once for Rovers this season.
It is understood talks are ongoing over Khizanishvili and Boro are hopeful a deal will be completed before this weekend's clash with Ipswich Town.
Boro are also still trying to bring in a new striker, and with a deal for Rob Hulse remaining unlikely - they could yet rekindle their interest in Heidar Helguson.
The former Watford man had been set for a loan move back to Vicarage Road on deadline day, but that deal failed to materialise and he could be interested in a move to The Riverside.
