Middlesbrough are making a late bid for Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Mirror says Boro boss Gareth Southgate has started negotiations to take the England man on loan or in a cut-price £4million deal.

The Boro chief planned to use inexperienced reserves Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull to replace Mark Schwarzer, but has had a change of heart.

Carson, on loan at Aston Villa last season, would jump at the chance of joining Boro who can give him a better stage to rebuild his career.

Southgate's bid means Carson is ready to turn his back on a £4m move to Stoke today.