Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is optimistic that Jonathan Woodgate could have a chance of being fit for the start of the Premiership season.
Southgate has played no part in Boro’s pre-season as of yet, since he is still recovering from his knee surgery.
Manchester United have revealed that they have not received any formal offers for Alan Smith.
Middlesbrough are reported to be closing in on the England international, but while United chief executive David Gill admitted that there has been enquiries, inlcuding one by text message, no clubs have made a bid for Smith.
Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Luke Young from Charlton Athletic in a £2.5million deal.
The England international passed a medical and has signed a four-year deal at the Riverside Stadium.
Young, a former Charlton captain made over 200 appearances for the Addicks after moving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 for £4million.
Middlesbrough have agreed a £2.5million fee with Charlton Athletic for Luke Young.
Addicks boss Alan Pardew recently admitted that he would be willing to leave the former Spurs defender leave the club to play Premiership football.
Sir Alex Ferguson has given his best indication to date that Alan Smith and Guiseppe Rossi could be heading out of the door at Manchester United.
The United boss is yet to make a final decision on either player, but admits that it will be difficult for them to have regular first-team football with the Premiership champions. The impending arrival of Carlos Tevez is set to end both player’s time at United.
Manchester City and Middlesbrough are thought to be two of the clubs chasing Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson.
It is thought that he has been made available for around £2million after French outfit Nantes were relegated from Ligue 1.
