MIDDLESBROUGH yesterday saw yet another transfer target escape their sights as Scott Parker penned a new five-year deal with Charlton.

Boro manager Steve McClaren had added the cultured England Under-21 midfielder to his summer shopping list. But Parker, who was also linked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton, has agreed to commit himself to the Addicks after being persuaded that he can fulfil his ambitions at The Valley.

Charlton's plc chairman Richard Murray said: "There has been much speculation recently about Scott's future, but it was not encouraged by us.

"The deal should be seen as a clear statement of Charlton's intention to compete at the highest possible level.

"We are delighted Scott has committed himself to the club in this way and it's a vote of confidence in what Alan Curbishley and the board are doing because it shows Scott recognises that he can progress further as a player here.''

McClaren, who has taken his players to a training camp on the Costa del Sol, has already been out of luck this summer with moves for Geremi, David Dunn, Brett Emerton, Trevor Sinclair and Sean Davis. And Boro yesterday reported "nothing new'' in their attempt to tie up the one-year loan signing of Brazilian midfielder Flavio Conceicao from Real Madrid.

Borussia Dortmund coach Matthias Sammer has also been credited with an interest in 29-year-old Conceicao as he seeks a player to fill the holding role.

There was some better news for Boro, however, when it was confirmed that Conceicao's compatriot Doriva had signed a one-year deal after Celta Vigo agreed to waive their right to a fee.

Doriva, who impressed McClaren while on loan last season, still had a year to run on his Celta contract but the Spanish side decided to release the 31-year-old midfielder.

Boro were also buoyed after it emerged that centre-back Ugo Ehiogu does not need to undergo major surgery for a knee injury.

An exploratory operation at the Alabama clinic of Dr James Andrews - the surgeon who rescued Juninho's career nearly a year ago - showed that Ehiogu has only suffered a slight tear to his posterior cruciate ligament. The England international was expected to be out for around six months, but there is now a real prospect of him returning to action in half the time.

Ehiogu is due to fly back to Teesside this week with new Boro physio Grant Downie, to begin an intensive rehabilitation programme. McClaren confirmed: "Ugo had an exploratory operation which revealed that the damage to the ligament is not as bad as first feared.

"The surgeon believes that the knee will mend on its own without the need for another operation. Obviously, it's great news.''

* Charlton yesterday also confirmed that defender Jon Fortune has signed a new three-year agreement.

* Bristol City are hoping to push through a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Luke Wilkshire.

The 21-year-old Australian is in talks with Ashton Gate boss Danny Wilson, who said: "Luke has indicated strongly that he'd like to join us, subject to personal terms being agreed.

"Whatever happens, nothing will go through until next week. But he is an exciting right winger and I'm sure he would prove popular with the fans.''

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