MIDDLESBROUGH officials have held talks with the out-of-contract Danny Webber, and the former Sheffield United striker could replace Mido if the Egyptian completes a season-long return to his homeland.

Webber left the Blades at the end of last season after four years at Bramall Lane, and Boro are one of a number of Championship clubs to have inquired about his services.

The 27-year-old, who is also interesting Crystal Palace, has met Middlesbrough officials to discuss his future, but is determined to weigh up all of his options before deciding on his next move.

“I’ve had talks with Middlesbrough, but I have had talks with a number of clubs this summer,” said Webber, who started his career as a trainee with Manchester United.

“Obviously, it is a good club and the set-up there is very impressive, as are the club’s ambitions, but it’s not a case of a deal being close or not.

“It’s basically an option that I am considering at the moment really.

“I’ve spoken to (Crystal Palace boss) Neil Warnock, and obviously I know him well from our time together at Sheffield United and have a lot of admiration for him and how he works. But, again, it is just another option for me to consider at the moment.”

Boro boss Gareth Southgate is on the look-out for strikers as both Tuncay Sanli and Mido are expected to leave the Riverside this summer.

Tuncay is interesting Aston Villa, while Egyptian club Zamalek are poised to offer £1m in order to set up a season-long loan for the unsettled Mido.

Mido, who is still to return to training despite being fined two weeks wages when he failed to appear at Rockliffe Park last week, is desperate to leave Teesside, but Boro officials are keen to recoup as much of their £6m investment as possible.

Zamalek are hoping the offer of a £1m loan deal will prove an acceptable compromise.

“Mido said he was ready to join Zamalek if he did not receive any offers from English Premier League clubs,” said Zamalek board member Ibrahim Youssef. “We are ready to pay Middlesbrough up to £1m to sign Mido on a season-long loan.”

■ Manchester City have announced they have reached an agreement to sign Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez.

The 25-year-old, who left city rivals United at the end of last season, has agreed personal terms and is expected to pen a five-year deal at Eastlands.