[url]http://www.eatsleepsport.com/middlesbrough/boro-target-gunners-defender-768758.html[/url]

It's understood Middlesbrough are set to make a move for Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, as they seek a replacement for Luke Young.

England international Young is poised to join Aston Villa after the two clubs agreed an initial fee of �4million, leaving Gareth Southgate searching for a new defender before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The Boro boss is believed to be targeting Gunners ace Hoyte, who has struggled to earn a regular starting birth with Arsenal - making just 15 appearances in all competitions last season.

The 24-year-old, a former England Under-21 international, is likely to be allowed to leave the Emirates with both Bakari Sagna and Emmanuel Eboue ahead of him in the pecking order.

Hoyte could be heading back to the North East, having already had a season-long loan spell at Sunderland during the 2005-06 campaign.