MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren has admitted he could exploit the loan market again as he looks to strengthen his side for the challenge of Europe.

McClaren has prided himself on the "creative'' deals which helped Boro to their first major trophy this season.

Gaizka Mendieta, Bolo Zenden and Danny Mills all arrived on temporary terms at the start of the campaign and featured in the side that beat Bolton in February's Carling Cup final.

Boro's reward is a place in next season's UEFA Cup and McClaren is acutely aware of the need to add more quality to his squad for the club's debut in major European competition.

The Teessiders insist Spain midfielder Mendieta, loaned from Lazio this season, has been secured on a permanent deal for the next four years.

McClaren is also confident England right-back Mills will make his move permament this summer following Leeds' relegation from the Premiership, and the Boro boss is attempting to extend the stay of Chelsea's Holland winger Zenden.

A 20-goal-a-season striker is McClaren's priority and Leeds' Mark Viduka, the subject of a failed £4m move in January, is high on his hit-list.

McClaren has also declared his interest in Viduka's strike partner Alan Smith, raising the prospect of an audacious double swoop on troubled Elland Road.

But McClaren will keep a keen eye on any loan opportunities. "You want to make permanent signings because it binds them to the club,'' said McClaren.

"But the loan signings we made this season, Mills, Zenden and Mendieta, have made a huge contribution.

"We have Mendieta long-term, but the loan deals have been good for us and it's another way in which we can bring in the quality that's required.

"Birmingham will be the first to admit that Mikael Forssell, who they signed on loan from Chelsea, has been the catalyst in their season.''

McClaren, however, seems unlikely to rekindle his interest in Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, who scored in Boro's 2-0 defeat at Anfield last weekend.

"That was three months ago and our priorities might be different now,'' said McClaren, who is also anxious to tie Cameroon striker Joseph-Desire Job and Brazilian midfielder Doriva to new deals before their contracts run out this summer.

"The most important thing is to keep this team together,'' said McClaren. "They have won a trophy, they're playing good football and the team spirit is good.

"We need to keep this group together. We have Europe next season and we just want to add a bit more quality to the side.''

* Midfielder George Boateng has been named Boro's player of the year by the Official Supporters' Club. The Dutch international pipped Mark Schwarzer and Mendieta. Winger Stewart Downing, 19, was voted young player of the year.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.