RUDOLPH DOUALA insists he could still move to Middlesbrough, even though manager Gareth Southgate has pulled the plug on the proposed £2m deal, writes PAUL FRASER.

The Cameroon winger was a long-term target during Steve McClaren's days in charge and held talks with the club prior to Southgate's installation.

But, with a deal in place with Sporting Lisbon, McClaren's successor is understood to have told chairman Steve Gibson to withdraw from negotiations.

That does not appear to have been communicated with Douala who has spoken of a desire to leave Portugal this summer.

"The English, French and Spanish leagues are, for me, the best, therefore in Portugal there is not another club I want to play for," said the 28-year-old.

Southgate has preferred to look for alternatives with Newcastle's winger James Milner one while Fulham's Steed Malbranque is known to be another.

Southgate, who has yet to indicate to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink whether he wants him next season, is also looking for a new striker.

The need for a forward will become more pressing if Hasselbaink's situation does not change. Particularly as the Dutchman has revealed a desire to move to Celtic on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old, out of contract, would have preferred to have signed an extension with Boro.

But it would appear there is a feeling that Southgate's spending power would be strengthened without the striker's reputed £40,000 a week wage packet.