Middlesbrough: Middlesborough

Leeds striker Alan Smith is on Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren's summer shopping list. McClaren admitted his interest in the England striker, who is certain to leave Leeds if they are relegated. The Boro boss tried to sign Smith's strike partner Mark Viduka during the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough have already made contact with Leeds regarding Mark Viduka following the Elland Road club's relegation from the Premiership.

Boro have reportedly informed both Leeds and Viduka that they will pay £4million for the 28-year-old Australian striker.

But it is understood the Teessiders have been warned off making a bid for Viduka's strike partner Alan Smith after being told the England star is not interested in a move to The Riverside.

Middlesbrough are believed to be keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour. Parlour has just one-year to run on his contract at Highbury and as yet there have been no talks over an extension. The former England international has struggled to hold down a place in The Gunners side in recent seasons and could be tempted on a move away for regular first team football. Parlour's agent Steve Kutner played down the reports and insists it would be the right move if he was to leave Arsenal.

Middlesbrough will make a concerted effort to sign two top class strikers this summer after setting their sights on Mark Viduka, Aiyegbeni Yakubu and Patrick Kluivert.

Boro travelled to Barcelona last week to register their interest in Dutch international Kluivert, although any move is at an embryonic stage.

However, Leeds hitman Viduka and Portsmouth's Yakubu, who scored four times in a 5-1 demolition of Boro at Fratton Park on the final day of the season, are perhaps more realistic targets.

Middlesbrough are reportedly mulling over a move for Arsenal attacker Sylvain Wiltord.

Reports in Wiltord's native France suggest Boro are weighing up the possibility of signing the 30-year-old on a free transfer during the summer.

Wiltord's contract at Highbury will soon expire and he seems destined to leave the Premiership champions after four years at the club.

Newly-crowned German champions Werder Bremen recently confirmed they had been in discussions with the former Bordeaux ace, with Wiltord's wages appearing to be the sticking point.

Looks like they are trying to be active in the market but until they sign anyone they are still pretty shyte.

Holland striker Patrick Kluivert has ruled out a summer move to Middlesbrough. Boro travelled to Barcelona last week to register their interest in Kluivert, and have also targeted Mark Viduka of Leeds and Portsmouth's Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Leeds striker Mark Viduka is poised to begin talks with Middlesbrough over a move to the Riverside next week. Boro's interest in the Australia international has long been known and they remain the only club to have tabled an official offer for the 28-year-old. Galatasaray did recently make a cheeky enquiry, asking to take Viduka on loan next season, although they were willing to pay his 65,000-a-week wages and 1.5million for the deal.

Mark Viduka's move to Middlesbrough looks set to be completed in the next few weeks.
The Australian star has been a long-term target for Boro - who are looking to bolster their squad substantially before next season.

Leeds are desperate to get the giant Aussie off their wage bill and Boro are ready to meet his pay demands.

Middlesbrough have given Rotherham permission to talk to defender Robbie Stockdale, who spent three months on loan at Millmoor last season.

The 24-year-old right-back impressed Millers boss Ronnie Moore, who is keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

Middlesbrough have stepped up their pursuit of Barcelona defender Michael Reiziger after discovering he has rejected an offer to join Valencia.

Boro are in the market for a new right-back and see Dutch international Reiziger, 31, as a good alternative to top target, Chelsea's Mario Melchiot.

Melchiot has his pick of around a dozen clubs, but Reiziger has narrowed down his options to a move to England.

Dutch star Michael Reiziger has confirmed that he is in transfer talks with Middlesbrough and he looks set to sign a deal at The Riverside Stadium.

Reiziger is shunning the chance to join Spanish champions Valencia in order to secure a move to The Premiership, although he could still move to the Mestalla if his proposed transfer to England collapses.

Rotherham have completed the permanent signing of Middlesbrough full-back Robbie Stockdale.

The 24-year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Millmoor last season, has agreed a three-year deal."

Holland defender Michael Reiziger claims talks with Middlesbrough are ongoing and that he expects to play in the Premiership next season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is planning a shake-up at the Nou Camp and has told Reiziger he needs to find a new club.

African striker Joseph-Desire Job is set to remain in England after agreeing on a fresh two-year deal with Middlesbrough.
The Cameroon international marksman's current deal is coming to an end but he says he has decided to remain at The Riverside for a further two seasons.


Middlesbrough are handing a trial to Anderlecht youngster Sergio Hellings.

The Teesside outfit are continuing to plan ahead with Steve McClaren alerted to the ability and probable availability of the 19-year-old defender.

Hellings was educated at the fabled Ajax youth academy but quit his native Holland to ply his trade in Brussels.

Boudewijn Zenden will reject a move to Fenerbahce in favour of staying in the Premiership, according to his father.

The Chelsea midfielder, who is on duty for Holland at Euro 2004, spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

And he is apparently not keen on a move to Turkey when he returns despite a lot of attention from the Istanbul side.

eeds striker Mark Viduka is undergoing a medical at Middlesbrough's Rockcliffe Park training ground this afternoon with a view to finalising a deal.

Boro boss Steve McClaren has been looking to strengthen the club's firepower this summer and has made his move for the 28-year-old Australia international.

Gaizka Mendieta is now officially a Middlesbrough player after his loan deal from Lazio became a permanent move.
The Spanish star arrived on Teesside last term on a season-long loan, but he has now moved permanently by signing a five-year deal.

After his terrific year, which included helping Boro lift their first major trophy, rumours of a get-out clause and possible return to Spain were mooted - with the likes Athletic Bilbao and Seville mentioned as possible suitors.

However, Mendieta has now become a Middlesbrough player after his club Lazio finally paid off his move from Valencia.

Holland defender Michael Reiziger is to join Middlesbrough on a two-year contract, according to a report.

The 31-year-old right-back, who played at Euro 2004, is out of contract with Barcelona.

Middlesbrough new boy Michael Reiziger insists he can add to his trophy haul despite passing up the chance to join Spanish champions Valencia.

The 31-year-old Dutchman turned his back on the Primera Liga and UEFA Cup winners, and the chance to play Champions League football next season, after bringing an end to his seven-year spell at Barcelona.

Instead, he has decided to join Steve McClaren's blossoming Boro squad to test himself in the Barclaycard Premiership and enjoy the club's first-ever European campaign after last season's breakthrough when they won the Carling Cup, the first major honour in their 128-year history.

Full-back Reiziger, who signed a two-year deal with the option of a third at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday, is adamant that his ambitions can be fulfilled on Teesside.