MIDDLESBROUGH are considering Chelsea's Mario Melchiot as a solution to the right-back slot vacated by Danny Mills.

Mills, after a season-long loan at the Riverside, has returned to Leeds after failing to agree terms on a permanent deal with the Boro board.

Now Northern Echo SPORT understands Riverside boss Steve McClaren is eyeing up a possible free-transfer swoop for Chelsea defender Melchiot, who is also a target for Newcastle United.

McClaren knows he needs a new right-back after failing to conclude a deal with Mill. And Melchiot is expected to be one of a number of stars leaving Stamford Bridge following the arrival of manager Jose Mourinho, who was installed as Claudio Ranieri's successor yesterday.

Mourinho made his intentions clear by declaring he intends to reduce his 34-strong playing staff to just 21, spelling the end for a number of stars which could include Bolo Zenden as well as former Boro target Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Boro have already indicated they will try hard to capture Zenden after Euro 2004 and it seems that may now be a double swoop with his fellow countryman Melchiot being lured to Teesside.

Like Zenden, Melchiot has already revealed he is unwilling to discuss his future until after the tournament is completed.

But the 27-year-old, who will not be short of offers from abroad, looks sure to have a choice between the North-East's two Premiership clubs. Both can offer UEFA Cup football next season.

It is also understood that Boro are unlikely to make a bid for Chelsea midfielder Geremi.

Geremi spent a year on loan at the Riverside before Roman Abramovich paid £6.9m to Real Madrid for the player last summer.

However, after an inconsistent first campaign in west London, the Cameroon star looks certain to be one of the fall-guys following the arrival of Mourinho.

Boro boss McClaren remains a big admirer of Geremi but, having secured Gaizka Mendieta on a long-term four-year contract, no deal is likely, with a striker and a new right-back remaining the priorities.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers have confirmed they are close to signing striker Paul Dickov from Leicester City.

Dickov's agent Phil Smith claimed this week that Boro had made an inquiry regarding the player's situation with the Foxes.

But with Mark Viduka, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Patrick Kluivert the main targets, McClaren has not pushed the deal any further.

Now it seems Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has beaten the competition and Leicester boss Micky Adams said: "Paul said he would go away and think about a new contract but he telephoned me last night to say he would be moving to Blackburn."

Long-term Boro target John Hartson has given Boro encouragement again by claiming he is in no rush to sign a new deal at Celtic.

The Wales international has been targeted by the Teessiders on a number of occasions and his agent, Jonathan Barnett, said: "It is a bit early to say he is on the verge of signing a new contract. We are due to talk to Celtic shortly. We are just in general chats, we are not into any serious conversation. There is nothing on the table at the moment."

* The Qatar Football Association insist they have beaten Bolton and Celtic to the signature of Rivaldo.

They claim the Brazilian international, who was a target for both British clubs, has signed up to join Ronald de Boer in the Middle East next season, while Frank de Boer is also considering a move to join his brother.

Qatar FA technical director, Manfred Honer, maintains the deal to take Rivaldo to their country is already sealed.

He said: ''Rivaldo has signed for us. He has been here for three days looking around and finding a place to live.

''I never had any doubt in the negotiations that the move was all about money - it is what motivates the player.

''I can't reveal figures, but if you are telling me Celtic and Bolton were willing to offer him £30,000 a week, I can only smile and say we are paying him much, much more.''

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