PORTSMOUTH striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu will take a step closer to sealing a multi-million pound move to Middlesbrough when he arrives on Teesside this morning, writes Paul Fraser.

The Nigerian striker is due at Rockliffe Park today to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

It is no secret that Yakubu has been Boro manager Steve McClaren's top target for a number of months and a deal - believed to be worth £6.5m - was struck with Portsmouth some time ago.

And now, after the Premiership campaign reached its conclusion yesterday, the 22-year-old will put the finishing touches to the transfer before an announcement is made later in the week.

McClaren was remaining coy on transfer talk after Boro's memorable 1-1 draw at Manchester City yesterday - when the point clinched a UEFA Cup place for the second successive season.

But Yakubu looks certain to become Boro's first capture of the summer sooner rather than later and his arrival promises to be the first of many.

It has been well documented that McClaren has been looking for a new frontman to battle with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka for a first team shirt.

But the Boro boss is also on the look out for fresh faces in defence and midfield after learning he needs a stronger squad to cope with the strains of domestic and European competition.

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