MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is ready to launch a double swoop for Leeds strike duo Alan Smith and Mark Viduka.

McClaren yesterday left no doubt that he will join the bidding for £10m-rated Smith, as well as long-time target Viduka, if Leeds' relegation is confirmed.

The fate of Eddie Gray's side could be sealed tomorrow if they lose to Bolton at the Reebok Stadium and Manchester City beat visitors Newcastle this afternoon.

Leeds legend Peter Lorimer, now a director at crisis-torn Elland Road, has warned they will accept nothing less than eight figures for Smith.

Ambitious Birmingham are said to be testing Leeds' resolve with an offer worth up to £7.75m.

McClaren, who failed in an attempt to land Aussie ace Viduka for a knock-down £4m during January's transfer window, admits the asking price for Smith is "hefty''.

But he has made it clear he is prepared to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and tomorrow's opponents Liverpool should Smith become officially available.

Boro's Carling Cup-winning boss said: "I know Alan Smith well. He's a player I admire and we've been alerted.

"Certainly, he's like a lot of players I would like to see at the Riverside next season.

"But I'm sure, with the pedigree of Alan Smith, there'll be quite a few people interested in him, and we'll just express our interest.

"I don't know whether Leeds want to sell him, but it's certainly a hefty price.

"We have every admiration for Alan Smith and Mark Viduka, and everyone knows that because we tried to get him in January. Who knows?

"These two seem to be the flavour of the moment. We know we have to bring in proven quality.

"The great thing is we're in Europe next season and that gives us a great advantage now, and in the summer, when we're looking at bringing players here.''

Despite successive defeats by Wolves and Aston Villa, McClaren maintains that 11th-placed Boro can still achieve the club's highest Premiership placing.

And, with greater firepower next term, he believes his side can push for a top-four Champions League spot.

"We're three points behind Fulham in seventh, so we can still get in the top eight, which has been one of our main targets,'' said McClaren.

"I went to the Newcastle-Chelsea game on Sunday and they nearly didn't let me in because of Villa's last-minute winner here.

"Apart from the top three, Liverpool have suffered like we all have from a lack of consistency. The top three have broken away and it's a scrap for fourth place.

"Liverpool have the talent to make fourth spot and rescue what has probably been a disappointing season.

"I wasn't surpised they won at Man. United last weekend because they have a good record there.

"But I don't think you can dismiss Villa from the equation. The pressure is on Liverpool, Newcastle and Villa - they must win.

"We see ourselves as contenders for that battle next season. We're already not far away. There's a very fine line between winning and losing and we've been on the wrong side so many times we know what our problems are.

"We're hoping to do something about it this summer so that we're genuine contenders for a European spot in the league.''

Boro have injury problems for the trip to Anfield, with midfielder Juninho ruled out with a thigh strain sustained against Villa, and centre-back Chris Riggott awaiting the results of a scan after picking up an ankle knock in training yesterday.

With skipper Gareth Southgate and Colin Cooper set to miss the rest of the season with knee ligament injuries, McClaren has called up 17-year-old defender Matthew Bates, a member of Boro's FA Youth Cup-winning side.

"We're struggling, especially at the back,'' said McClaren. "It might be an opportunity for young Matthew Bates to make his debut.

"It would be a huge test for him against Michael Owen, but he's done well in the Youth team and he has the temperament. He wouldn't let us down.

"Owen consistently gets around 20 goals a season, and that's what you need. He keeps Liverpool within touching distance of silverware and he's absolutely invaluable.

"He's suffered again from another season interrupted by injury, but Steven Gerrard has stepped forward and matured and I think he can be a great player, one of the best midfielders this country has produced.''

McClaren offered encouragement to Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu as the battle for central defensive roles in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad for Euro 2004 intensifies.

He said: "We always miss Gareth when he's out - he's the talisman of the club. Ugo has recovered so well from the knee ligament injury which kept him out for the first half of the season. He has the experience and I'm sure Sven will be keeping an eye on him.

"I think Gareth is more determined than ever, with Jonathan Woodgate being injured, to be fit for Portugal and he will be working very hard to get there.''

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