MIDDLESBROUGH are keen to join the race to land Sporting Lisbon youngster Joao Moutinho.

The 18-year-old has been one of the stars of the Portuguese side's progress to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, and was particularly impressive in their comfortable two-leg defeat of the Teessiders in the last round.

Despite just breaking into their side, the teenager is expected to be offered a much-improved deal in the summer, but his advisors are aware that the really big money could be made with a move to the Premiership.

With George Boateng just back from long-term injury and the decision on whether to offer Brazilian Doriva a new contract yet to be made, McClaren is weighing up his options in central midfield.

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Liverpool have all been alerted to the Portugal Under-21 international's potential, and Boro are believed to have also registered an interest.

The defensive midfielder will play tomorrow against Newcastle at Lisbon's Jose Alvalade Stadium, and is expected to again be watched by a host of scouts from across Europe.

Meanwhile, the future of Middlesbrough starlet Josh Walker is in doubt after talks over a professional deal stalled.

Several Premiership clubs have been alerted to Walker's potential and possible availability after he shunned Boro's initial offer of a two-year professional contract.

Walker is the England Under-16 captain and has shone for his country in recent games, including the international Montaigu Tournament in France.

Walker is currently on a youth contract, but he has yet to agree professional terms.

He is recognised as one of the brightest young talents in England and his agent Peter Harrison confirmed talks are ongoing after Boro's original offer was rejected.

l Two Aussie goalkeepers yesterday put pen to paper at Boro - Brad Jones, 23, signing a new two-year deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2006-07 season and Rhys Williams joining on a three-year deal.

Williams, 16, has already played first team football in his homeland for ECU Joondalup, and the Teessiders may tour Australia in the close season if their participation in the InterToto Cup is not required.

* Boro have announced a buy one, get one free ticket offer for next Tuesday's home clash with Fulham, exclusive to the club's season ticket holders.

Season ticket holders can get two adult tickets from just £23, instead of the usual £46.

Other prices for the match are East and West Lower, £26; East Upper, £30; West Upper, £31. There are no matchday tickets available for the North Stand.

The special offer tickets are available from the main Riverside ticket office. Voucher R from season ticket books is required with each purchase.

The offer covers full-priced tickets only and does not include tickets that are already discounted for those aged under 16 or over 65.