Southgate keen to keep Rochemback

Rochemback joined Boro in August 2005

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says he is keen for Fabio Rochemback to stay at the Riverside Stadium.

The 25-year Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon, the club he left in August 2005 to join Boro.

Southgate said: "He's our player, and we want him to be playing well for us.

"There has been some sort of enquiries, but nothing concrete as far as we're concerned or the player's concerned. We're not looking to move him on."

Rochemback has struggled to win a regular place in the starting line-up in recent weeks and was allowed to spend a week in Brazil before Christmas

"He's found himself out of the side," Southgate added. "I understand that he wouldn't be too happy about that and I want him to fight his way back into the side.

"He's been involved in the last two matches on the bench and he will be in the squad for the match at Blackburn Rovers."

Sporting are reportedly hoping to re-sign Rochemback loan but would need Boro to contribute significantly to his wages for the remainder of his current contract.