A TOP target in Middlesbrough's search for a striker has declared he wants to see out his current contract.

Former Newcastle United and Manchester United striker Andy Cole was on manager Steve McClaren's list of possible targets during this month's transfer window.

However, Cole has insisted he is more than happy to stay with Blackburn Rovers until his current deal expires at the end of next season.

The 32-year-old, who cost Rovers £7m in 2001, knows McClaren well from their days together at Old Trafford when the Boro chief was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Cole said last night: "Over the past few weeks there has been increased speculation regarding my position at Blackburn.

"I signed a three-and-a-half-year contract two years ago and was happy to join the club and that remains the same.

"I fully intend to honour the contract. I have spoken with both the manager and John Williams (chief executive) recently, who have assured me that there is no truth to the press speculation regarding my position at the club."

McClaren has been knocked back by Liverpool in his attempts to sign Emile Heskey, until the end of the season at least when the Reds complete the capture of Frenchman Djibril Cisse.

Another avenue for Boro, who travel to Arsenal for the third time this month tomorrow in the FA Cup, would be £3m-rated Preston North End front-man Ricardo Fuller.

McClaren is known to be an admirer of the Jamaican's talents but if he steps up his interest in the 24-year-old he faces competition from Fulham.

Fulham, who have also lined up American Brian McBride, are believed to have made a £2m bid for Fuller as they try to find a replacement for Manchester United-bound Louis Saha.

A player on his way out of the Riverside is former Red Devils midfielder Mark Wilson and he is determined to make the most of his loan chance at Sheffield Wednesday.

Wilson, who is in contention to replace former Boro star Robbie Mustoe against Peterborough tomorrow, is at Hillsborough for an initial month.

And the midfielder said: "I was at the Middlesbrough training ground on Tuesday morning and the chief scout asked me if I wanted to go to Sheffield Wednesday on loan, so I jumped at the chance.

"I spoke to their manager (Chris Turner) and have been impressed with him, now I'm looking forward to getting some football."

Meanwhile, Boro's young forward Craig Dove could be on his way to Third Division basement boys Carlisle United.

The 20-year-old has been on trial at Brunton Park and he was part of the reserves team which beat Macclesfield Town 4-1 on Wednesday.

Cumbrians' player-manager boss Paul Simpson said: "Craig came down for the reserve game so we could have a look at him.

"He did all right but we're not sure whether we will take it any further at this stage."

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