MIDDLESBROUGH and Newcastle United are on the verge of missing out on one of their right-back options this summer.

Spanish club Villarreal are closing in on a deal that would take Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot to La Liga on a free transfer.

Melchiot, not being given a new contract at Stamford Bridge, has been told to look for new employers and the two Premiership outfits in the North-East had been considering a swoop for the Dutchman.

However, Villarreal have taken the lead in the chase for Melchiot and president Fernando Roig has revealed he intends to announce something later today.

''In the case of Mario Melchiot we are negotiating and we hope that this week we can have some new information,'' Roig said.

''What I can say is that after the signing of San Lorenzo defender Gonzalo Rodriguez our only objective is to incorporate a right-back."

Boro have been actively seeking a new full-back following the breakdown of Danny Mills' permanent move to the Riverside.

A striker remains a priority for manager Steve McClaren but he is keen to bolster his defensive ranks. The fact that Melchiot - with Holland at the European Championships - was available on a free transfer appealed to McClaren, who is on duty with England in Portugal.

Now it is likely the Boro boss will use his experiences at Euro 2004 - where he is assistant to Sven-Goran Eriksson - to secure the services of new blood for next season.

If McClaren fails to bring in a new right-back then England Under-21 international Stuart Parnaby will be given more of a chance to stake a claim for a starting place on a regular basis.

Injuries halted his progress last season but he remains a hot prospect and the Boro chief is keen to ensure Parnaby does not go the same way as promising left-back David Murphy - who has been released by the Teessiders this summer.

Boro's main aim, though, remains a new striker and it is understood officials have travelled to Croatia to hold talks with Leeds United striker Mark Viduka. Viduka, for sale after the Whites' relegation from the Premiership, is also wanted by a host of top continental clubs - including Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, it will also be a case of back to the drawing board for Newcastle should Melchiot conclude a deal with Villarreal.

The Magpies are constantly on the look out for a player to compete with Aaron Hughes on a regular basis.

Andy Griffin's departure to Portsmouth has left Newcastle seriously depleted for numbers in the battle for that shirt and both Mills and Melchiot have been among Sir Bobby Robson's list of targets.