MIDDLESBROUGH are preparing to go head-to-head with Tyne-Tees rivals Newcastle United after renewing their interest in Patrick Kluivert.

Just 48 hours after Barcelona defender Michael Reiziger completed a move to Teesside, Boro boss Steve McClaren has made another bid for the defender's Dutch teammate, Kluivert.

Despite the imminent arrival of Leeds United striker Mark Viduka, McClaren is keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of next season's UEFA Cup campaign.

Kluivert has signalled a strong desire to play in the Premiership, after being told to look for a new club by Spanish giants Barca.

And after Newcastle officials met with the 28-year-old's representatives in Portugal last week, the player's agent, Paul Foortse, yesterday confirmed that Boro are still courting the former European Cup winner.

He said: "Middlesbrough expressed an interest on Tuesday, but we are waiting to sit at the table and talk about it.

"All parties want to move quickly because training has started. I hope and expect him to move within the next week or so."

Kluivert would need to take a substantial pay cut if he is to move to the North-East. The former AC Milan striker is on a reported £93,000-a-week at Barcelona.

Newcastle remain favourites to land the 28-year-old after Foortse revealed Kluivert would relish the chance to partner Alan Shearer at St James' Park.

"Patrick is interested to play with Shearer and to play in the Premier League," said Foortse.

However, with Reiziger joining compatriot George Boateng at the Riverside Stadium this week and Chelsea's Bolo Zenden likely to return for a second season-long loan, Kluivert is warming to the idea of a move to the region.

And, as Boro's hopes of landing Kluivert increased this week, Portsmouth have reiterated Aiyegbeni Yakubu's future remains at Fratton Park.

The Nigerian international remains high on McClaren's list of summer targets. However, Pompey have moved to end speculation surrounding Yakubu's future.

Pompey chief executive, Peter Storrie said: "We have had no approach from anyone other than the initial interest by Middlesbrough which was rejected.

"It is all speculation, but I can tell you Yak and his agent have not been approached or made approaches to other teams."

Viduka is expected to complete his move to the Riverside Stadium today.

The Australian international has ironed out some minor details at Elland Road and will link up with his new teammates next week.

Meanwhile, Reiziger has been tipped to take the Premiership at full speed by first team coach Steve Harrison. The 31-year-old has been regarded as one of the finest full-backs in world football ever since breaking onto the scene at Ajax.

Reiziger's capture on a free transfer represents a major coup for Boro, who were quick to act in finding a replacement for Leeds' Danny Mills.

Harrison is convinced the arrival of the Barca man will help to ensure McClaren's men maintain their miserly reputation - while at the same time proving to the Premiership just how good a player he is.

"Michael brings a presence because of what he has done in his past career. There is a presence about him and that's a very important thing for a defender," said Harrison. "He's very quick.

"We've done tests with him and he's one of the quickest players in the club already.

"He knows his craft - he's an excellent full-back and I think he showed that in the European Championships.

"He's an all-round good pro. He does things right, and 99.9 per cent of the foreign players that have come over here are good professionals and look after themselves.