Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is expected to step up his interest in Brighton's highly rated youngster Bobby Zamora within the next week.
McClaren has been frustrated in the transfer market of late, after moves for Diego Forlan and Dwight Yorke fell through at the last minute.
The Boro boss is desperate to inject some new life into his attack, even more so now, after Sunday's miserable 0-0 draw with Charlton.
With Boro failing to hit the target, the club is losing points with every game. With Alen Boksic still struggling to be fit, McClaren knows he can't rely solely on Noel Whelan to continue his goal scoring form of late.
Boro have already expressed an interest in Zamora, and could easily afford his wages unlike Forlan and Yorke. However, the two clubs are some way apart on their valuation of the player. As Zamora has never played in the Premiership, McClaren won't offer more than £4 Million, while Brighton are holding out for £6 Million.
The only way a deal looks like it could be done, is if Brighton compromise and accept a lower fee, with money on top, if the player delivers the goods.
Another Boro target Malcolm Christie will not becoming to the Riverside. New Derby boss John Gregory knows he has to sell before he can buy, but he is said to be a big admirer of Christie, and is a major part of his plans for the future at Pride Park.
Meanwhile over the weekend it has emerged McClaren has cut the wage bill at the Riverside by £100,000 a week.
