MIDDLESBROUGH are having to remain patient in their bid to sign Fulham's highly-rated midfielder Sean Davis.

Cottagers boss Chris Coleman is determined to keep hold of the 24-year-old until he has tied up a deal to take Sunderland's Claudio Reyna to London as his replacement.

Boro manager Steve McClaren hopes to have Davis, who is also wanted by Everton, on board before the start of the Premiership campaign on Saturday.

But Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy last night revealed there is no imminent deal for Reyna, although talks are continuing between the two clubs.

McCarthy will include the United States skipper in his squad for tonight's Carling Cup clash at Mansfield - provided no deal is brokered in the process.

And the Black Cats boss said: "Claudio Reyna has every chance of being involved unless something happens to change that.

"Fulham have made a bid and I think there are ongoing discussions with the club and the player's representatives.

"I have just spoken to Claudio and made him aware of the circumstances.

"If it were to move on quickly over the next 24 hours I might have to change my plans."

As well as Davis, Boro are also hoping to secure the services of Spanish star Gaizka Mendieta. McClaren has been working hard this summer in an attempt to add numerous targets to his playing staff ahead of the new campaign.

But only Brazilian Doriva, who spent a few months last season on loan at the Riverside, and left-back Alan Wright have put pen to paper on permanent deals at Boro.

McClaren is desperate to bring in new midfield blood after missing out on a long list of transfer targets - including Geremi, Trevor Sinclair, David Dunn and Brett Emerton.

And now it has emerged that the Boro boss has made a renewed bid for Lazio midfielder Mendieta.

McClaren initially turned down the chance to sign the 29-year-old on a season-long loan deal earlier in the summer after finding out the player's wage demands.

But cash-strapped Lazio, who have already had Mendieta agree to a 40 per cent pay cut, are keen to offload him on loan to ease their financial situation.

The former Valencia man's move back to the Primera Liga with Atletico Madrid recently fell through and now Boro are understood to have renewed their interest. McClaren admits he is desperate to bring in more than one player - but he refuses to panic buy.

"I genuinely believe that this squad is two players short," said McClaren.

"I have got a fantastic team, but in that midfield area we are short. I have been endeavouring to bring players in and, for one reason or another, they have not come off. I have not panicked into anything and I'm still trying."

McClaren has been handed a midfield fitness boost ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham.

Jonathan Greening returned to training yesterday morning and is in line to come back into the side after recovering from a stiff back. Greening missed the friendly with Chievo.

Meanwhile, Rotherham are determined to keep hold of first choice goalkeeper Mike Pollitt.

McClaren is known to have been impressed with the Millers keeper after the two clubs' summer friendly at the back end of last month.

And Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore, who has Boro's third choice goalkeeper Brad Jones on loan at Millmoor, said: "Mike is staying at Rotherham as he is my first choice and he has just recently signed a new three year contract.

"I know they were impressed by him during our pre-season game with them, but as far as I am concerned he is going nowhere."