Boro Target Viduka Swoop

Last updated : 31 January 2004 By Kevin Markey

The Sun reports that Boro boss Steve McClaren wants to tie up a deal before Monday's transfer window shuts at 5pm.

"He’s a player I’ve been interested in since I’ve been here, but with the situation at Leeds, it’s going to be difficult to do something," McClaren said.

Boro, who visit Elland Road this afternoon, were put off initially by Viduka’s salary but have since learnt that the reported £60k a week is more like £40k.

Steve Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, said last night that his club was 'in discussions' with Leeds over the 28-year-old striker.

Complicating factors include Viduka’s presence in Melbourne, where his father is seriously ill, he intends to return early next week, the limited window to seal his signing and the testing financial circumstances at Elland Road.

Viduka has scored 52 goals in 115 starts for The Whites.

A couple of weeks ago Boro were close to signing Liverpool’s Emile Heskey but now the focus is on getting the Aussie international.