But if rumours are right that Boro are wanting to sign Shola Ameobi ... that could be a little "too much" for their long suffering fans.
Ameobi is not the name they want to boost their chances of avoiding relegation.
And just as signing Titus Bramble did nothing to improve the reputation of the Wigan boss, Southgate must be living on Cloud Nine if he thinks the Smogs will be dancing in the streets when Shola arrives down the A19.
Ameobi Won't Please The Smogs!
Chairman Steve Gibson came out at the weekend to dismiss suggestions he was lining up a replacement for Southgate should results not improve markedly, while rumours that Egyptian striker Mido had gone AWOL have refused to go away.
However, Southgate has attempted to set the record straight after several weeks of speculation.
Southgate: "As with every story at the moment that surrounds this football club, there is half an element of truth and half an element that builds momentum through Chinese whispers.
"Everything gathers momentum at this time and with the internet being how it is now, people can print anything without foundation and a story can build up out of nothing."