MIDDLESBROUGH are expected to finally complete the signing of Leeds United striker Mark Viduka by the end of the week.

After months of negotiations, the Australian international's move to Teesside is virtually a done deal and is on the verge of going through.

The capture of Viduka is a major coup for Boro as they attempt to build on the success of last season when they lifted the first piece of major silverware in the club's 128-year history by winning the Carling Cup.

Since moving to Elland Road from Celtic four years ago the 28-year-old has lit up the Premiership in front of goal and he has attracted the attentions of a host of top European clubs - including Juventus, Roma and Barcelona.

Earlier this month Spanish champions Valencia were interested in taking Viduka to La Liga but he always set his sights on a move to Boro, so that he would not have to uproot from his Yorkshire home.

Riverside boss Steve McClaren tried to sign the big Aussie in January and now it seems he has finally landed his man.

Leeds value the player at around £4m but because of the Whites' financial state there is a strong chance they have accepted less than that figure.

Whatever the price, Boro look to have got a bargain for a player who is sure to have had to reduce his wage demands to join McClaren's men.

It had been thought Viduka's £65,000 a week pay packet would have caused problems to the deal but he has agreed terms and is close to putting pen-to-paper. The switch has been complicated by the fact Leeds actually owe the striker money.

The former Dynamo Zagreb man scored 13 goals last season during a year that ended in relegation from the top-flight for Leeds. Since signing in July 2000, Viduka scored 59 goals in 126 Premiership appearances.

Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu admits he would love to see Viduka line-up at the Riverside in a Boro shirt in August. He said: "They are the type of people we should be trying to bring to this football club. Quality, the next step up."

McClaren is also expected to try to step up his bid for Portsmouth striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, while Jospeh Job is close to agreeing a new contract with the club.

Talks with Dutch international right-back Michael Reiziger are also at an advance stage as Boro bolster their squad for a double push on the UEFA Cup and Premiership front