MIDDLESBROUGH manager Tony Mowbray has opened discussions with former Reading and Burnley defender Andre Amougou and is also pondering a move for out-of-contract full-back Martin Cranie.

Amougou is close to agreeing a move to the Riverside following his release from Turf Moor at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old, who was formerly known as Andre Bikey, came close to joining Boro on loan last season, only to eventually move to Bristol City instead.

He is an uncompromising centre-half who would bolster a back four that has seen Matthew Bates, Tony McMahon and Justin Hoyte all depart since the end of last season.

Stuart Parnaby's arrival has helped fill the hole at right-back, and Mowbray is confident of adding Amougou to the ranks having already held an initial round of talks with the Cameroon international and his representatives.

The Boro boss is also keen to sign a left-back this summer, and Cranie is regarded as a viable option following his departure from Coventry City.

The 25-year-old has interested Mowbray in the past, and confirmed his exit from the Ricoh Arena yesterday as he rejected an offer of a new long-term deal.

Cranie has expressed a desire to remain in the Championship following Coventry's relegation to League One last season, and Mowbray is expected to make an approach shortly.

He is unlikely to be the only Championship manager interested in a player who can play at either left-back or centre-half, but the departure of a number of high-earning players since the end of last season has given Boro a degree of flexibility when it comes to negotiating contracts for free agents.

The club's recruitment drive is currently in full swing, but Mowbray will shelve his transfer business for a few hours tomorrow as he welcomes his squad to the opening day of pre-season training.

Parnaby will be present, along with Grant Leadbitter, who signed after leaving Ipswich Town last month.

The former Sunderland midfielder is set to be a key component of Mowbray's first-choice side next season, and his new manager is delighted to have him in place so early.

"It was good to get Grant done when we did," he said. "When it got to the date where he was allowed to talk to clubs and I got the opportunity to speak to him, I was impressed with his love of football straight away.

"He's a football person. He thinks about football and wants things done properly. I'm looking forward to working with him on the training ground.

"What are his qualities? We saw him twice last year, three times if you count the abandoned game, and he's a good football player. He's got a bit of tenacity, he wants the ball, he's athletic and he can shoot. He's basically a rounded midfield player.

"Hopefully, he's going to be a cog in a team that functions and a good acquisition. Let's hope he has a great season for us and plays a big part."