ins and outs

[histon]

Ins: Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce, free), Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m).

Outs: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Malcolm Christie (released), Danny Graham (released).

[jayp]

Boro will intensify Smith pursuit

Smith has two years left on his Man Utd contract
Chief executive Keith Lamb says Middlesbrough are to step up their interest in Manchester United's 26-year-old striker Alan Smith.
Earlier, United said they had not received any "firm offers", but Lamb insisted: "Our position hasn't changed.

"If you go back a few weeks, it was well documented that we had agreed a fee and had permission to talk to Alan.

"But Alan was away on holiday and then went on tour with United, so we haven't had the opportunity to speak to him."

Lamb added: "I'm sure he is well aware of our interest, and I'm sure in the next few days the opportunity to speak to Alan will present itself.

"If it's right for Alan and right for Middlesbrough, it's something we might well conclude."

Smith has two years left on his current deal but is expected to be sold before the start of the season.

Boro are understood to have offered £6m for the former Leeds forward, while Everton, Sunderland and Spurs have also been linked with Smith.

It's apparent that his future at Manchester United isn't certain

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate
United chief executive David Gill had earlier said: "We've not had any firm offers for Alan Smith, though a couple of clubs have called to ask about the situation.

"We also received a text from someone else. We'll see what happens but so far nothing has resulted from it."

Smith battled back from a broken leg to play last season, but the expected offer of a new deal at Old Trafford has not materialised.

The striker was signed from Leeds United for £7m three years ago.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate added: "It's apparent that his future at Manchester United isn't certain.

"I think the situation is that he understandably wants to stay and fight for a place at Manchester United.

"Now it would appear that that situation is changing by the day, so if he wants to move on, obviously the mindset changes