AFTER frantic talks between the two clubs, Ayegbeni Yakubu's on-off move from Middlesbrough to Everton could be given the go-ahead in the next 48 hours amid strong hopes that a compromise agreement can be reached.

The proposed transfer was called off yesterday after Middlesbrough refused to budge on their valuation of the player.

But the complicated saga should still end with the African moving to Merseyside.

The Toffees looked certain to land the Nigerian after launching an £11m offer on Friday and Yakubu was left out of the Boro squad that travelled to Fulham.

Yakubu was expected for talks at Goodison Park over the weekend, but Everton boss David Moyes had become frustrated with Middlesbrough's unwillingness to drop their demands.

Now Boro realise that they could be better off cashing in now rather than retain the services of an unsettled forward.

With Yakubu's future uncertain, manager Gareth Southgate is examining options to replace him.

A £6.1m bid has been made for Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves, while PSV pair Arouna Kone and Jefferson Farfan are being monitored.

But Egyptian striker Mido would like to see Yakubu stay. "Yakubu has done very well for the club. If you ask me, I wish he was staying,'' he said.

Likely to follow Yakubu out before the closure of the transfer window in ten days is Fabio Rochemback.

He moved a step closer to leaving after indicating to his advisors he would welcome a move back to Portugal, with Benfica ready to match Boro's valuation.

The Lisbon giants have been hoping to land the Brazilian all summer but they have not had the resources.

But, after raising £6m by selling Manuel Fernandes to Everton, Benfica boss Fernando Santos has identified Rochemback as the man he wants.

There has been contact between the two clubs and Rochemback, who has struggled to settle in the North-East since arriving two years ago, would have no hesitation in returning to Lisbon.

He was regarded as a hero during his time with Sporting and his father, Juarez, feels that it would be no problem for his son to sign for his old club's most fierce rivals.

Juarez Rochemback said: "Fabio's desire is to play for Benfica and I do not believe there is any problem between Middlesbrough and Benfica for a deal.

"Now the decision is from the English (Middlesbrough). My son has received with enthusiasm this offer because he desires to play at a big club like Benfica.

"He has played for their rivals Sporting, but he is professional and is able to triumph in any club."

Boro have always maintained they would be willing to allow Rochemback to return to Portugal, provided they collect a suitable fee.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson, meanwhile, has urged the Football Association to give Steve McClaren time to succeed as England manager.

McClaren left Boro last summer to take over the national team and faces a crucial three months with crucial European Championships qualifiers ahead.

After Wednesday's friendly with Germany, England have two games in September with Israel and Russia which they must win to revive hopes of qualification. Anything else and the critics will be demanding McClaren's removal.

But Gibson said: "You give someone one of the most difficult jobs in sport, and the intense pressure that goes with it, and if you have got the decision wrong you can't keep on making the wrong decisions.

"You sometimes have to put a bit of faith and trust in the people you employ and give them their heads. Steve McClaren has been given a contract by the Football Association and that contract should be honoured.

"I think Steve needs time to find out about the players that he has at his disposal and to gain a greater understanding of the world stage and the changes from domestic to European to world football. The successful nations are the ones that have more continuity than England have had since 1966.