MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren wants to clinch a permanent deal for Danny Mills during the transfer window.

The England right back joined Boro in August on a season's loan from crisis-torn Leeds.

And McClaren, who could tempt the Elland Road board with a £2m bid, knows a concrete deal would open up a new loan option.

"We're looking at the possibility of signing Danny during the window,'' confirmed McClaren.

"We've talked about being creative in the transfer market, so let's see what happens.

"We have to look to improve our squad and I have spoken with Steve Gibson about what I want to do. The chairman is as ambitious as I am for this club.

"We're possibly two or three signings away from being a very good team. That might not happen in January - it might have to wait on the availability of players, finances and being creative in the market, but I believe we're on the right track.''

McClaren, whose priority remains the acquisition of a proven goalscorer, said:"Everybody can see the area where we need to improve and if we do that there's no reason why we can't become a very good team, challenging for a top-six place.

"But for the first five games this season, when we collected only one point, I think we would be in the top half of the table and challenging for a top-six place already."

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