Middlesbrough are likely to face competition from Portsmouth if they launch a bid for £2million-rated Preston winger Simon Whaley.

Gareth Southgate has already made a move for the 22-year-old and the Daily Star on Sunday claims Pompey are set to make a bid of their own.

The former Bury star suffered a foot injury that curtailed last season for him, but is now fully recovered and played in North End's 5-2 friendly win over Chorley on Friday.

Whaley is good friends with David Nugent and would relish the chance to join his old team-mate in the Premier League, or even better, at Fratton Park.