The Times report that Steve McClaren is desperate to prevent Southgate leaving the Riverside after he was linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester United and us.
The pair are said to have had talks about the future of the team after the player was widely quoted in the press as saying he wants to play in the Champions League, although the remarks were taken somewhat out of context.
A good player who could prove a valuable addition to the squad, but £8million for a 32-year-old is just silly money.