Middlesbrough Target Speed As Conceicao Loan Looms

Having lost out to Manchester City in a bid to sign Trevor Sinclair, Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is apparently pursuing his interest in Gary Speed.

Wales captain Speed has a year left on his contract at Newcastle United, but is reportedly upset at only being offered an extension on a reduced salary by the Magpies.

McLaren sees 33-year-old Speed as the holding midfielder he believes Boro need.

He had previously shown interest in Sean Davis but cannot meet Fulham's likely asking price, while Newcastle's Peruvian winger Nolberto Solano is also thought to be too expensive.

However, Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Flavio Conceicao is closer to joining Boro on a season-long loan according to Real, though Boro themselves are less sure.

"The agreement between the clubs is total and Flavio's deal is nearly done," said Real director Jorge Valdano on Friday, while a Boro spokesman said: "Total isn't the word we would use. It doesn't seem imminent yet."

If Conceicao does go to the Riverside, he is likely to be joined by compatriot Doriva, whose transfer from Celta Vigo is nearing completion.