Pulis believes he has a good knowledge of players and signed the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Richard Cresswell during the summer, while Danny Pugh and Leon Cort arrived on loan early in the season.

BBC: Championship chargers

All three are out of contract at the County Ground in the summer and Robins boss Danny Wilson is keen to keep the trio at the club.

BBC: Kevin Amankwaah

Middlesbrough have already signed goalkeeper Danny Coyne and winger Mark Yeates this summer and Southgate now is likely to look at improving other areas of the team.

BBC: Middlesbrough reject Alves offer