Middlesbrough are trying to sign striker Kevin Phillips from local rivals Sunderland.

Boro have confirmed that they have made an enquiry about the 30-year-old forward, who has been with the Black Cats for six years.

Phillips, who has scored 122 goals in six years on Wearside, is keen to leave relegated Sunderland and play in the Premiership.

Boro manager Steve McClaren signed Michael Ricketts and Malcolm Christie in January, but his search for a prolific goalscorer has taken him to Phillips.

But though no Middlesbrough player scored more than nine Premiership goals last season, the Teesside club, who currently hvae a surfeit of strikers, insist they have not made a formal offer for Phillips.

"Sunderland are good neighbours of ours and we have a good relationship with them," Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb told the club's website.

"We've spoken to them about Kevin but it's gone no further than that. In any case, it's important to remember we currently have six strikers at the club."

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has accepted that his top scorer is likely to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.