Boro move for Gunner
Skysports.com understand that Middlesbrough are set to agree a deal
with Arsenal for Jeremie Aliadiere.
Boro were close to signing the French striker in January, but their
interest cooled in recent weeks and they looked like going
elsewhere.
However, with rivals interest from the Premiership and La Liga -
Boro boss Gareth Southgate has again launched a bid.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is willing to do business as Aliadiere -
who featured a number of times towards the end of last season -
wants regular first-team football.
The 24-year-old has been with Arsenal for eight years and obviously
feels the time is now right to move on and Teesside looks set to be
his new home.
Boro are in need of new strikers with both Mark Viduka and Yakubu
Aiyegbeni looking unlikely to start next season with the
club.
Viduka is understood to have told Newcastle that he will be moving
to Tyneside, shunning a host of other offers - including one to
remain with Boro.
Yakubu is known to be frustrated with life at The Riverside and
although Boro are keen for him to stay, a big offer this summer
will likely see the Nigerian depart.
Southgate, though, knows he cannot be left short and is reported to
have made firm enquiries for Luke Moore and long-term target
Diomansy Kamara in recent days.
Oldham's out-of-contract ace Chris Porter remains another option
for the Boro boss.
