AMBITIOUS Gareth Southgate has revealed a burning desire to achieve honours on the European stage could see him turn his back on Middlesbrough.

The Boro centre-back has been linked recently with Newcastle United and Liverpool, although Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd insists talk of a summer move is nonsense.

And Riverside boss Steve McClaren only last week admitted he has had to reassure Southgate that Boro share his ambitions of success.

McClaren would rebuff any approaches for his skipper, as he is seen as a pivotal part of the club's long term plans.

And, while Southgate would welcome a transfer to a side playing in the Champions League next season, the 32-year-old knows a switch is out of his hands.

"Everybody knows how ambitious I am, and it is very important to be involved with England," said Southgate, who scored in England's 2-1 win over South Africa last week.

"But in an ideal world, I would be playing European football in the Champions League as well.

"When you come away with England, you don't have to pick up the pace as much as if you are just playing in the Premiership.

"But I'm a Middlesbrough player, so it's up to them whether they want to listen to offers.

"I'm not unhappy at Boro and I'm enjoying working with boss Steve McClaren."

Southgate arrived from Villa Park in a £6.5m deal and he has become Mr Consistent at the heart of the defence alongside Ugo Ehiogu.

McClaren is keen to keep hold of his best players and he has recently indicated that he is looking to add more players with Southgate's experience to his youthful Boro squad.

The former Crystal Palace man, who has two years on his contract left to run, is determined to taste glory again before he retires.

He said: "I feel a young 32. I have missed three games in two years. I look after myself and I expect to play for at least three or four more years."