MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is hoping to get the go-ahead from chairman Steve Gibson to make a major transfer breakthrough.

McClaren, who tonight faces his biggest game as Boro boss when Wimbledon visit for an FA Cup third-round replay, is anxious to boost his side's flagging firepower and yesterday confirmed that strikers Dwight Yorke and Diego Forlan are primary targets.

Since he succeeded Bryan Robson in the summer, cash-strapped McClaren has had to be content with only one big-money capture £6.5m defender Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa.

But his net spending is only a little over £5m and with fourth-bottom Boro sliding deeper into relegation trouble after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Fulham, McClaren wants Gibson to release money now before it is too late.

"I want it yesterday,'' stressed McClaren. "That's my job, to say: 'The team needs improving and these players will improve it, can we go for it?'

"I've been doing that all season and will continue to do that. Who knows? You will have to speak to him (the chairman) to find out whether he's willing to finally say: 'Yes, you can have that.'

"We meet regularly and at the next meeting he might say: 'Yes, do it.'

"I would expect to find out soon one way or the other. I think we're coming to the time when we're at a crossroads, and I hope we take the right road.

"If there is a possibility, we have to start moving quite quickly. You're looking at decisions being made quicker than they were before Christmas.

"When the likes of Yorke and Forlan come up you have to be interested. They would be major signings and the only major signing we've made is Gareth Southgate, who I think has been phenomenal for this club.

"The others, like Jon Greening, have been brought in for the future. Greening has played nearly every game and you won't see the best of him until next season.

"He's only 23 and you're laying at lot of responsibility on young shoulders too early.

"People like Yorke and Forlan are the ones who really make a difference and improve your team.

"I haven't had money to spend; I've had to trim the squad and the wage bill. The thing was to sell somebody before bringing anybody in.

"But we're looking to do something and we'll soon know whether that comes to fruition.''

Uruguayan Forlan, 22, who plays for Argentinian side Independiente, looks a more realistic target than Manchester United star Yorke.

McClaren has admitted making a "tentative enquiry'' about Yorke, while Independiente claim Boro have already agreed a £6.9m fee for Forlan.

But McClaren said: "We've been in contact with the club purely so that we're kept informed of any developments.

"Forlan first came to my attention at the beginning of the season and we've followed him since.

"He's a player who interests us greatly, as he does Manchester United, Lazio and numerous other clubs. The competition for this player is very intense.''

McClaren, part-time coach with England, insists he is happy at Boro despite the financial constraints.

He said: "I'm happy enough if the attitudes are right, which they have been.

"I'm not happy about our League position, but I've every faith and belief that the players are good enough to come through it, as they did at the start of the season when we lost the first four games.''

Boro fought a dour goalless draw with First Division Wimbledon at Selhurst Park a week ago, and the prize for the winners tonight is a home tie against Manchester United, McClaren's old club.

But the former United No 2 said: "Playing Man. United is hypothetical. All we're thinking about is Wimbledon.

"Our win at home to Everton on New Year's Day was enormous, but we've slipped down the League.

"We have a game in hand, ten home games left and seven away, and we have to take advantage of that and make sure our home form is good.''

Left-back Franck Queudrue is available again after being suspended for the Fulham game, while midfielder Carlos Marinelli should be fit despite taking another ankle knock.

Phil Stamp, who has impressed McClaren as a substitute in the last three matches, is in contention for his first start this season.

Meanwhile, centre-back Ugo Ehiogu is back in training after a groin injury and could return for Saturday's vital home game against Bolton.

* Boro have taken Norwegian striker Andre Schei Lindbaek on trial. The 23-year-old plays for Molde.

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