Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will take the first step towards rebuilding his forward line by finally swooping for Jeremie Aliadiere.

The 24-year-old Arsenal frontman is expected to complete a move to the Riverside Stadium when he returns from holiday after both he and the two clubs agreed a deal.

Aliadiere has been a long-term target for Southgate and is not being viewed as a replacement for Mark Viduka, who joined Newcastle on Thursday after rejecting the offer of a contract extension.

Boro's chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We have agreed a fee with Arsenal for Aliadiere and completed a deal with them. Everything is also agreed in principle with Jeremie and his transfer will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

"The only reason the deal hasn't already been completed is that the player is on holiday."