MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren is looking to Italy in his search for new blood.

Northern Echo Sport last week exclusively revealed Boro's interest in Brazilian striker Adailton, who duly arrived on Teesside for a five-day trial.

The 24-year-old has returned to Serie A side Verona, but Boro will continue to monitor his progress and are also keeping tabs on other potential targets in Italy.

With transfer funds tight and prices in the domestic market inflated, McClaren is conscious of the need to turn his sights to the continent.

"We have contacts in Italy and we're always on the look-out for opportunities because there's quite a big market,'' said McClaren.

Adailton impressed during his brief stint with Boro, but McClaren added: "There's no chance of anything developing at the present time.

"We've got contacts we keep in touch with and they recommended him. He came over and, to be fair to him, he did very well.''

Meanwhile, Boro's favourite Brazilian, Juninho, has spoken of his desire to eventually return to the Premiership - and possibly the Riverside Stadium.

The 28-year-old playmaker, still registered with Atletico Madrid, has forced his way back into Brazil's plans thanks to a successful loan spell in his homeland with Vasco da Gama.

And he admitted: "I miss playing at Middlesbrough and in English football. My plan is to spend two or three more seasons in European football and I would like to go to England. I would return to Middlesbrough without any problems, but they need to be ambitious.'

Read more about the Boro here.