FORGOTTEN man Malcolm Christie is being backed to save Middlesbrough £5m in the transfer market.

The Boro striker spent most of last season on the sidelines after breaking his leg during training last November.

And while Steve McClaren has been linked with moves for a number of European football's top strikers, 25-year-old Christie has received a glowing pre-season report from Boro's sport psychologist Bill Beswick.

And Beswick has even blamed the injury to the former Derby man as one of the reasons the Teessiders were unable to beat their previous best top flight finish.

Beswick said: "I do believe a significant part of us, as a club, not making that extra step last season was the injury suffered by Malcolm because he has the capability to be a top Premier League striker."

Christie remains hopeful of beginning pre-season training in July despite having suffered a setback in his recovery when he trapped a nerve in his foot at the end of last season.

But despite backing Christie to come good, Beswick is well aware of the need for fresh blood in attack.

Leeds United's Mark Viduka is reportedly close to agreeing terms on a £4m move to Boro, and Christie could prevent McClaren making a further plunge in the transfer market for a striker

"We need a little extra in our striking department, although having said that I am a great Malcolm Christie fan," said Beswick.

"A striker is what's dominating Steve McClaren's mind."

Beswick also hinted that there'll be plenty of goings as well as comings at the Riverside in the close season.

He said: "Our job is to make sure we get the right people on the bus and the wrong people off it - that is the major preoccupation of the manager and the chief executive."

* Sunderland midfielder Jeff Whitley has signed a new one-year contract.

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland international was a key member of the Black Cats team that reached the play-off semi-finals last season.

"Mick McCarthy has been magnificent in giving me my chance and believing in me and I thank him for that," he said.

"I'm delighted things have been finalised. Hopefully, well have a great season ahead of us and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

* Leeds have asked Newcastle for midfielder Gary Speed as a makeweight in any deal for youngster James Milner.

Aston Villa, Everton and Birmingham have all registered an interest in £4m-rated 18-year-old, but the Magpies have emerged as the most likely destination for the Premiership's youngest goalscorer. However, new Elland Road boss Kevin Blackwell is unlikely to receive any encouragement in his pursuit of the former Whites' favourite - despite Speed being 35 in September.

* Former Middlesbrough boss Colin Todd could scupper Darlington's hopes of landing Bradford City striker Dean Windass.

Todd has emerged as the leading contender to replace ex-Boro manager, Bryan Robson, who left the relegated Bantams on Tuesday.

And Todd, who was Robson's right-hand man at Valley Parade last season, has lined up Windass as part of his coaching team.

A Bradford spokesman said: ''Bryan Robson has left the club and, subject to contracts being signed, Colin Todd will become the new manager of Bradford.''

Todd's plans will come as a major blow to close friend David Hodgson, who turned to Windass following Barry Conlon's protracted move to Barnsley.

Hodgson held talks with Windass last month after the Bantams made their entire squad available for transfer, with debts of over £30m.

The 35-year-old was offered a coaching role as part of a two-year deal offered by Quakers and he was expected to make a decision on his future this week.

However, the latest developments at Valley Parade cast major doubts over Hodgson's swoop.

Whether or not Hodgson is successful in his pursuit of Windass, the Quakers boss has identified other targets to bolster his attacking options.

Young Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Quakers last season, remains a possibility, whilst Sheffield Wednesday forward Jon Shaw has also been linked with a loan switch.

Released Boro goalkeeper Sam Russell and Wrexham midfielder Stephen Thomas have signed pre-contract agreements.

Relegated York City expect to complete the signing of Quakers midfielder Gary Pearson.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at the New Stadium and is expected to sign an improved one-year deal with the Minstermen.

* Hartlepool United's pre-season game at Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been brought forward 24 hours to Saturday, July 24.

Pool fans have until 4pm tomorrow to take advantage of season ticket discounts.