Twelve months ago, chairman Steve Gibson promised to target big names which would make the people of Teesside and further afield sit up and take notice.

Gibson backed his manager with hard cash in the transfer market both during the summer an in January as he funded big money moves for Mido, Gary O'Neil and club record signing Afonso Alves, as well as snapping up Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli.

But this time around, Southgate is not convinced he needs to involve himself in the same level of activity.

He said: "I have not discussed the absolute finances of it because I know if it is the right thing for the club, the chairman will always try to fund it.

"We have got a considerable reduction in the wage bill with Gaizka Mendieta and Fabio Rochemback going, so that does help the situation of the club.

"In terms of there being spectacular signings, I am not sure that's what we need.

"That's what we have always tried to do as a club, but I am not sure that is what we should be trying to do.

"It's exciting for the supporters, at times, to see a name come in, but in the long-term, is it productive?

"From my perspective, it doesn't have to be spectacular - but I understand why there is an inclination to look that way."

Southgate's priority will be in midfield following the departures of Rochemback and Mendieta, the latter of whom has barely figured in the first team under the former England international.

He is keeping his targets to himself, although it is understood Chelsea's Steve Sidwell is on his list, but not Newcastle utility man Alan Smith, who interested before his move to St James' Park last summer.

Boro have been linked with a series of players already, many of them strikers, but Southgate is content with what he has at his disposal in attack despite allowing South Korea international Dong-Gook Lee to leave the club.

He said: "Strikers are not a priority for us. That might change at some point, but I wouldn't foresee it. I am quite happy with the blend we have got.

"Mido has got a challenge ahead of him now, but the priority with Fabio going is midfield players."

However, Southgate is still awaiting answers from vastly experienced keeper Mark Schwarzer and former skipper George Boateng over their respective futures on Teesside.

The 35-year-old Australian is out of contract next month and has a series of options, one of them with Juventus, while midfielder Boateng, 32, has a year left on his current deal, but has hinted he may need to move on to get regular first-team football.

Southgate said: "We are in talks with Mark. Am I hopeful? I am not sure.

"With George, it is very similar to this year really. When he came back, I think he expected to be first choice right through the season, and it was difficult for him to come to terms with that during the year.

"But he knows if he is here, he will be an important part of the squad. It is whether he wants to be part of the squad or whether he wants a guarantee of first-team football.

"I said to him, 'There is no guarantee you will be in the side, but there is no guarantee you won't be in the side. It is very much up to you'.

"He wants to go away and think over the summer about what sort of options he has, but if he walks back through the door, I will be happy because he will be a strong squad member for us."

Meanwhile, Boro have confirmed they will take part in the Algarve Challenge Cup in Portugal in July as part of their pre-season preparations.

The tournament will also involve Celtic, FA cup finalists Cardiff and Vitoria Guimaraes.

ends