JOSEPH-DESIRE JOB'S reluctance to sign a new contract could well have brought an end to his Middlesbrough career.

The African striker officially became a free agent last Thursday after his four-year deal at Boro expired.

Job had recently suggested he was willing to extend his stay on Teesside but now there is every chance he has kicked his last ball for Steve McClaren's men.

The 26-year-old was a notable absentee from the first day back at training yesterday - on the day that Dutch full-back Michael Reiziger arrived for a medical.

Job would not have been expected to return for yesterday's first session, as he was part of the Cameroon squad that overcame Ivory Coast 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Yaounde on Sunday.

But it is understood Job will not be welcomed back at Boro until, if at all, his future has been thrashed out.

And with McClaren - on the verge of completing the signing of forward Mark Viduka from Leeds - still on the look out for a second striker this summer, Job's Riverside future is in serious doubt.

A contract had been offered to the former Lens man, but he refused to sign as he tried to broker a better deal.

There have been French outfits - including St Etienne and Metz - who have been monitoring the player's situation but as yet no concrete move has been secured.

But with most clubs now back for pre-season training Job will be aiming to sort out where he will be playing his football next season.

Signed by Bryan Robson for £3m in the summer of 2000, Job scored the opening goal in the Carling Cup success in February and has previously attracted the attentions of Birmingham City.

Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace and West Brom are also both looking to add new front-men to their squads ahead of the big kick-off.

Boro should have Viduka on board by the time their opening day fixture with Newcastle United comes around, although he is suspended following his sending off at Bolton towards the end of last season.

But, despite passing a medical on Friday, the Australian's arrival has been delayed by the need to tie up a few loose financial ends with current employers Leeds.

And Boro spokesman Dave Allan said last night: "We are still hopeful that we can complete a deal in the near future."

Now it seems the signing of Reiziger may be announced before Viduka's capture is confirmed.

The Holland international, after playing a part in his country's run to the last four in Euro 2004, is thought to have passed a medical yesterday and could be unveiled later today.

Reiziger, 31, has been lined up to sign a two-year deal at Boro and Allan said: "He was here for a medical and with a view to agreeing a permanent deal with us."

l Boro will prepare for their first season in Europe with a trip to Germany when they travel to Hansa Rostock on Saturday, July 31 (kick-off 2pm).

Rostock finished ninth in the Bundesliga last season, beating champions Werder Bremen in their last match.

McClaren said: "This is just the sort of test we need ahead of one of the biggest season's in our history."

Negotiations are continuing to arrange at least one further friendly against overseas opposition during the pre-season build-up.