SOUTHAMPTON yesterday ruled themselves out of the race for Middlesbrough target Trevor Sinclair.

The England winger has pledged himself to West Ham's fight for promotion next season.

But the financial implications of relegation could force the Hammers to sell and 30-year-old Sinclair is one of their prize assets.

Boro, Birmingham and Leeds are all keeping tabs on Sinclair's situation.

But Saints chairman Rupert Lowe, whose club have been linked with Sinclair, Swedish youngster Kim Kallstrom and former Arsenal striker Kaba Diawara, insisted: "We are looking to bring in a couple of new faces, but there's no truth in the rumours about those three.''

Boro manager Steve McClaren is searching for two "top-quality'' midfielders.

Chievo's Eugenio Corini yesterday declared he was "honoured'' to have been linked with a move to the Riverside.

Corini, who has a year left on his contract, said: "I'm glad Chievo offered me an extension, but there are details that need looking at before I sign.

"I am honoured to be linked with Middlesbrough, but I have another year of my current deal to run. The ball is in Chievo's court.''

But, at 33, the little-known Corini is almost certainly too old to figure in McClaren's thinking.

The Boro boss is equally anxious to strengthen his attack and Sunderland's £4m-rated Kevin Phillips remains his top target.

It is also claimed that McClaren has made discreet enquiries about Sporting Lisbon star Mario Jardel.

But the Brazilian yesterday discounted a move to Rangers and insisted he wants to return to his homeland.

McClaren has been credited with an interest in Boro striker Massimo Maccarone's former Empoli sidekick, Antonio Di Natale.

The 25-year-old frontman grabbed 13 goals in his first season in Serie A and would cost around £4m.

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