STAVING off an immediate threat of relegation occupies Gareth Southgate's mind this morning but, provided Premier League status is preserved, he could soon have to deal with a midfield merry-go-round.

Reading, West Ham and Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Gary O'Neil this summer, just one season after he moved to the North-East from Portsmouth.

With sources claiming O'Neil would be receptive to a move closer to his southern roots, despite an impressive first year on Teesside, Southgate could be forced to sell at the right price.

With O'Neil still recovering from surgery after sustaining lateral knee ligament damage in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham last month, a deal is unlikely to take place until July or even later.

But it is more than likely the former England Under-21 man will be heading south again, where Reading would lead the chase provided they stay up.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has been told to reduce the club's wage bill but, provided he can sell big earner Freddie Ljungberg, O'Neil is viewed as a candidate to replace the Swede.

The 24-year-old has become an integral part of Southgate's team this season, having played 29 times in the right of midfield position which had become a problem to fill.

It has also emerged, according to sources in Portugal, that Fabio Rochemback has been told he will not be handed a new contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesb r o u g h , h o p i n g to claim the victory at home to Portsmouth tomorrow that will keep them in the top-flight, did not want to confirm or deny the claims last night.

But, after interviewing the player's father Juarez, Lisbon-based Radio Renascenca have reported that Rochemback will be leaving at the end of the season, with Sporting Lisbon the likely destination.

It was suggested that a May 1 deadline for Middlesbrough to take up an option to extend his existing terms by a further two years passed without an agreement being reached.

"My son is very interested in a return to Sporting,"

said Juarez Rochemback.

"But other clubs have also asked about his situation."

French side Monaco are now thought to have entered the chase for his signature, along with Brazilian clubs Gremio and Vasco de Gama.

While the futures of Rochemback and O'Neil are uncertain, there has also been interest in George Boateng, Julio Arca and Lee Cattermole in recent months.

It is a situation that has led to the recently expanded recruitment team - bolstered by the arrivals of Gordon McQueen and David Mills - being instructed to work on a list of possible replacements.

Derby County's Giles Barnes, Fulham's Steven Davis and Chelsea's Steve Sidwell are three men in Southgate's sights, although he is keen to concentrate on keeping Boro in the Premier League before working on any transfer deals.

The Boro boss has also been shocked to read that record signing Afonso Alves could have to serve a lengthy suspension.

Southgate insists there are no such fears, despite the fact the Brazilian was back in Holland this week as AZ Alkmaar continue their battle for compensation after losing out on his signature.

Despite a ruling from the Dutch Football Association that stated AZ Alkmaar never had a pre-contract agreement with him, the Eredivisie outfit are claiming a £5.9m payment from Alves.

And, having already forked out £12.7m on the South American in January, Middlesbrough are washing their hands of the issue by suggesting AZ should deal only with Heerenveen.

AZ have also got FIFA involved and it is a situation which should finally come to a close after an arbitration hearing on May 19, when a lengthy playing ban has been mentioned as a possible punishment.

Middlesbrough, however, remain confident there will be no such penalty. "Alves went to a hearing on Tuesday and I don't think a suspension could happen," said Southgate.

"There would have to be a problem with the transfer itself, but that is not the case because the Dutch FA sanctioned it.

There's no possibility he could be suspended.

"He's very relaxed, it doesn't really involve our club and he's very calm, he doesn't think he has anything to answer. The Dutch FA gave a verdict before he came here and this is an unfortunate side show. I don't think it's preying on his mind from what I've seen."

With Jeremie Aliadiere fit again after missing out on Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Sunderland, Southgate must decide whether to include the Frenchman or keep Alves and Tuncay Sanli up front.

Southgate also has Mark Schwarzer and Ross Turnbull available again and both are competing to replace Brad Jones against Portsmouth.