DANNY MILLS is in danger of missing out on a return to Middlesbrough.

The Leeds right-back, on loan with Boro last season, was the subject of an unsuccessful £1m bid by the Teessiders in January.

Boro boss Steve McClaren admitted he was hoping to revive the deal this summer.

Mills, reported to be picking up around £40,000-a-week with relegated Leeds on a contract that still has four years to run, is now effectively available for nothing as the crisis-torn Elland Road club look to slash their crippling wage bill.

But Boro are keeping their options open as manager Steve McClaren attempts to reshape his squad for next season's entry into the UEFA Cup.

Birmingham are tracking 27-year-old Mills, who has also been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle.

Having been omitted from England's provisional 23-man party for Euro 2004, Mills is currently in limbo.

But confirmation yesterday that Leeds have appointed Kevin Blackwell as manager could help to resolve Mills' future.

Meanwhile, Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is expected to be fit for the launch of Australia's World Cup qualifying campaign when they face New Zealand in Adelaide on Saturday.

The Socceroos compete in the six-nation Oceania Confederation Cup until June 6, the tournament forming the second stage of Oceania's World Cup qualifying series.

Schwarzer suffered a bruised hip in a collision with teammate Danny Tiatto as the Aussies were beaten 3-1 by Turkey last week.

Manchester City's Tiatto sustained a double jaw fracture, while Schwarzer was ruled out of the second of two friendly matches against the Turks.

The initial encounter proved to be a nightmare for Schwarzer, who was captaining his country for the first time, when he was at fault with two of the goals as well as being forced off through injury.

* Boro are reminding red and white book holders they have until 5pm this Saturday to renew their season tickets and retain their current status.

* Valencia coach Rafael Benitez has moved to quash speculation linking him to Liverpool by stating categorically that he intends to stay with the Spanish champions.

Although the Anfield board have reportedly put Benitez at the top of their list to take over from Gerard Houllier, who parted company with the club on Monday, the Spanish coach apparently has no interest in the position.

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