IAIN Dowie has emerged as a strong contender for the vacant Middlesbrough job after leaving Championship side Crystal Palace by mutual consent yesterday.

Dowie, who was former Boro boss Steve McClaren's recommendation when chairman Steve Gibson asked for his thoughts on his successor earlier this month, has claimed he would like to move north to be nearer his family, who currently live near Bolton.

Terry Venables remains Gibson's preferred choice of manager, as the former England boss would slot straight into the existing coaching set-up with the minimum of disruption.

But, contrary to a number of weekend reports, Venables' appointment is not a done deal.

Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb are expected to sit down with the 63-year-old later this week, although the situation has been complicated by Venables' involvement in Saturday's Soccer Aid charity game between England and the Rest of the World.

Given Gibson's close relationship with all of his previous managers, he would be reluctant to appoint anyone without meeting them face-to-face, despite Venables' previous reign at the Riverside.

Along with former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley, Dowie is a genuine contender for the post.

And, while the former Northern Ireland manager is also in the running for the vacant managerial position at the Valley, sources in London suggest Middlesbrough's geographical location would give them edge.

"Unlike Simon (Jordan, Crystal Palace chairman), I'm not independently wealthy," said Dowie. "So I would like to be in a job.

"I need to work for a living and I need to consider everything that is on offer. Obviously, some things would be better than others.

"I leave here with a heavy heart. I have had a wonderful time; there have been some terrific highs, and some real lows.

"The family issue has been a problem, but perhaps it is also time for another challenge, too."

Jordan revealed the pair had reached an agreement whereby the club would not seek compensation from Dowie, and Dowie would waive a "considerable contract obligation from the club to him".

And, while the Eagles chairman claimed he would bitterly disappointed if his former manager re-emerged at Charlton, he refused to condemn a possible move to Teesside.

"I would be disappointed if Iain were to turn up at Charlton," said Jordan. "He understands my view.

"I have made this situation far less acrimonious than it could have been."

Jordan - who said he wanted a new manager in place by the time the players return for pre-season training on July 4 - evaded questions about whether Dowie would have stayed had the Eagles been promoted this term.

* Arsenal were last night reported to have signed Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund.

It was claimed in Rosicky's homeland the 25-year-old had passed a medical in London and signed a contract with the Gunners.

The playmaker will play for the Czechs at the World Cup this summer and has scored 15 goals in 53 appearances for his country.

According to the reports, he was allowed to leave the Czech training camp in Austria to finalise the transfer.

Rosicky had been expected to sign for Atletico Madrid, with whom he had been repeatedly linked. The 25-year-old cost Dortmund £18m when he joined from Sparta Prague in 2001 - a Bundesliga record.

* Newly appointed Swindon manager Dennis Wise, 39, and assistant Gustavo Poyet, 38, are ready to renew their playing partnership next season.

* Leeds should be better off next season despite failing to win promotion to the Premiership and losing their £6m 'parachute payment' - because they will finally have finished paying off former players such as Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.

The club have been paying off contracts to eight players who signed deals when Leeds were high in the Premiership and most of those come to an end next month. Leeds' turnover in the year ending 2005 was £31m.

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