MIDFIELDER John Eustace's arrival at Middlesbrough could be the first of three before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Boro yesterday tied up a one-month loan deal for Coventry club captain Eustace with a view to a permanent move, as manager Steve McClaren launched what promises to be a frantic fortnight of transfer activity.

Eustace, 23, agreed terms after meeting McClaren at Boro's Rockliffe Park training base.

With Dean Windass yesterday completing a move to Sheffield United, George Boateng and Juninho still recovering from knee operations and Mark Wilson suffering a back injury, McClaren was anxious to strengthen his midfield department.

Eustace goes straight into the squad for Sunday's game against Fulham at Loftus Road.

The Solihull-born schemer made 32 Premiership appearances for the Sky Blues during the 2000-01 season. He played only six times in the First Division last term because of a knee injury, but has bounced back to make 20 appearances this season for Gary McAllister's promotion chasers.

McClaren said: "We're always on the look-out for talented young English players and John fits that description perfectly.

"Eighteen months ago he was playing in the Premiership and looked to have a bright future.

"Then he picked up a bad injury which set him back a bit and he has only started playing regularly again this season.

"But we have always kept an eye on him. This is an ideal opportunity to take a close look at him. It gives us cover in central midfield at a time when we are very light.''

McClaren is losing patience with Derby County after the Rams fudged a decision on whether to allow striker Malcolm Christie and defender Chris Riggott to join Boro on loan until the end of the season.

The Boro boss was yesterday linked with an audacious move for Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand. McClaren is said to want the 36-year-old former Newcastle favourite on a short-term deal.

McClaren is also still monitoring midfielder Seth Johnson's situation at Leeds, but knows the odds are against a deal within the window, and is understood to be eyeing Aberdeen centre-back Russell Anderson, who is out of contract at Pittodrie in the close season.

Windass finally moved to Bramall Lane, with Boro insisting he had gone on a free transfer and the Blades claiming on their official website that they would have to pay £100,000 at the end of the season if he helps them achieve promotion.

United boss Neil Warnock, who took Windass on loan earlier this season, had been trying to secure his services on another temporary agreement until the end of the campaign, with a view to a concrete deal in the summer.

But Windass, who had started only two games for Boro this season, said: "I made it clear I wanted to sign for Sheffield United.

"Neil Warnock knew that and he pulled up trees to get me. I have been ringing him constantly and pestering him to sign me.

"I'm delighted to join a Division One club who are doing well. Hopefully I can score a few goals to help guide them towards promotion.''

Windass, 34 in April, joined Boro from Bradford City for £1m in March 2001 and made 46 League and Cup appearances for the Teessiders, scoring three goals.

Boateng, meanwhile, is hoping to be back in action a week on Tuesday when Boro entertain Aston Villa, the club he left in a £5m deal last summer.

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