MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has revealed he was quoted £9m by Derby County last summer for loan target Malcolm Christie.

Former Rams coach McClaren is looking to land striker Christie and defender Chris Riggott on three-month deals with a view to permanent moves.

First Division Derby, relegated last term, are in the grip of a financial crisis and desperate to slash their wage bill.

And McClaren is hoping to agree a deal which will guarantee Boro an option to sign England Under-21 duo Christie and Riggott for a fixed price at the end of the season.

It is understood Boro could pick up the pair for as little as £4m - less than half the amount Derby wanted for Christie in the close season.

McClaren, who could also be off-loading players during this month's transfer window, said: "We made enquiries about Malcolm in the summer when we were quoted £9m for him.

"Chris is someone I've always known and thought did well for Derby. He's a very good young player with potential.

"It came down to just a phone call and if it can all be agreed, it's a great opportunity for everybody.

"I think we'll know one way or the other early next week. I think Derby have released the news in the hope that someone else will come in with an offer for them. We would do the same.

"You might see a few ins and outs over the next few weeks.''

Boro are desperately short of goals - they have managed only four in their last six games in League and Cup and gone 11 hours and two minutes away from home in the Premiership without hitting the target - and McClaren sees Christie as a possible solution to the problem.

With key defender Ugo Ehiogu likely to be out for two months after breaking two ribs and puncturing a lung in the New Year's Day defeat at Blackburn, McClaren has identified Riggott as potential cover.

The Boro boss is also still keeping tabs on Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson, who has failed to make an impact at Elland Road since his £7m move from Derby last season.

But with McClaren constrained by a financial strait-jacket, debt-ridden Leeds would have to agree to a rock-bottom deal for there to be any prospect of Johnson moving to Teesside by the end of the month.

McClaren's immediate priority is ensuring Boro preserve their proud unbeaten home record against in-form Southampton this afternoon.

The Riverside has proved to be a citadel in 11 games this season.

But McClaren dismissed suggestions that Boro's barren away run, which extended to nine successive defeats in all competitions with the FA Cup exit at Chelsea a week ago, has intensified the pressure ahead of today's clash.

"There's no more pressure to win at home than normal,'' insisted McClaren. "There's always pressure to get results at home because you always want to do well in front of your own fans.

"We're very proud of our home record. We've gone into the new year unbeaten at home, which is a tremendous feat, but Southampton will be testing that.

"Gordon Strachan has just been named manager of the month, and deservedly so. He's someone I've always admired and respected, with his enthusiasm and honesty.

"They're unbeaten in eight matches and have the joint leading scorer in the Premiership in James Beattie.

"He's a player I have always admired and kept an eye on; when I was at Derby I watched him in the reserves at Blackburn.

"He went to Southampton for about £1m and we thought it was too much for a player who hadn't been playing regularly in the first team at Blackburn.

"But he's an ideal target man, hard-working, good in the air, with a good technique, and now he's scoring goals.''

McClaren insists club record £8.15m signing Massimo Maccarone is in contention for a place today, despite again being dropped to the bench at Chelsea.

The Italian striker, who has threatened to quit Boro unless he commands a regular place, returned to his homeland for a few days this week.

But McClaren said: "He's just been back to see family and friends. He's back here now and in contention.''

Juninho is due back on Teesside next week after undergoing intensive rehabilitation in Brazil to expedite his recovery from surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

McClaren said: "We can't wait to have him on the training ground with us - it's an exciting prospect.

"But we won't rush him back. We'll take things day by day.''

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