Steed Malbranque

Middlesbrough are trying to hijack Newcastle United's bid to bring French international Steed Malbranque to St James' Park.

Glenn Roeder has identified the Fulham midfielder as one of his close season targets and he will be concerned about Middlesbrough's move.

And he will be more concerned that Boro's new boss Gareth Southgate has aban-doned his television duties at the World Cup in Germany to try and snatch Malbranque (pictured) from under United's noses.

The word from Fulham is that they would accept £3.5m for Malbranque and that they have already earmarked the money for a couple of signings of their own.

West Ham and Everton are also interested in Malbranque, but I understand reports that Liverpool were ready to offer him Champions League football next season will not materialise.