MIDDLESBROUGH have dismissed reports Sheffield United made a cheeky bid for highly rated midfielder Lee Cattermole.

Blades boss Bryan Robson is believed to have made a tentative inquiry about Cattermole's availability at the beginning of the season.

The 19-year-old midfielder has played only a peripheral role in the side this term, as Gareth Southgate has opted for experience over youth in the centre of the park, which alerted Robson to the fact that the teenager might be available.

But after United's meek derby surrender to rivals Sheffield Wednesday last weekend it is understood Robson was more determined than ever to strengthen his midfield and went back to his former club to see if there was any change in Cattermole's future on Teesside.

Robson has identified Cattermole as the ideal player to add some steel to his under performing side.

Middlesbrough yesterday denied there has been any contact with the South Yorkshire club and let it be known that if any approach was forthcoming it would be an unwelcome one.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's pursuit of Afonso Alves looks no nearer to being concluded.

The Teessiders last week tabled a formal bid for the 26-year-old Brazil international, who is understood to have agreed personal terms at Boro.

The Heerenveen striker had already signed a pre-contract agreement with AZ Alkmaar but Alves' representatives are trying to quash the deal, stating the contract is not legally binding.

AZ took the matter to the Dutch FA and a meeting between the two Eredivisie clubs and Alves is expected to take place tomorrow.

The Dutch FA announced on Monday that Alves' lawyer Pim de Vos has asked for a second KNVB arbitration and Boro now have to wait for the outcome. With the transfer window closing next Thursday time is running out for the Teessiders.

Middlesbrough may be boosted by the return of Mido for this weekend's FA Cup clash at Mansfield. He has been out with a groin problem since Boro's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in October.

But the Egyptian international put himself in the frame for a return last night when he played 45 minutes in the reserves 5-0 defeat by Newcastle at Billingham Synthonia.

Andy Carroll grabbed a hat-trick and even missed a second-half penalty with Boro reduced to ten men as Graeme Owens saw red for a lunge on Matthew Grieve in the 71st minute.

Carroll opened the scoring with a powerful header but Boro should have been level within 60 seconds - keeper Fraser Forster denying Mido and Jason Kennedy. After that Newcastle took control with Jonny Godsmark and substitute Dan Neary on target along with Carroll's second and third .

Boro: Turnbull, Johnson (Smallwood, 78mins) Grounds, Walker, Bates, Williams, Owens, Kennedy, Mido (Thompson, 46) Craddock, Bennett (Porritt, 65). Subs (not used): Steele, Robinson

Newcastle: Forster, Morris, Patterson, Kadar, Edgar, Godsmark, Doninger, Troisi, LuaLua ( Danquah, 65), Carroll, Baheng (Neary, 84). Subs (not used): McLaughlin, Cook, Grieve.