SHEFFIELD UNITED are hoping to convince Middlesbrough to part with striker Dean Windass on a permanent basis later this week.

Blades boss Neil Warnock is determined to clinch a deal for the 33-year-old, but faces a tough fight to acquire his services.

Windass made only his second start of the season for Boro at Chelsea, as manager Steve McClaren tried to end his side's dismal goal record away from home.

But the ex-Bradford City star was by far the Teessiders' best player at Stamford Bridge and now McClaren could be ready to keep faith with Windass for this Saturday's home clash with Southampton - ahead of record buy Massimo Maccarone and high-earner Alen Boksic.

But United boss Warnock, whose side take on Liverpool in the Worthington Cup semi-final tonight, is hopeful of sorting out a deal for Windass between now and the end of the month when the transfer window closes.

"Nothing will be done before the Liverpool game, but I will possibly speak to Middlesbrough later in the week," said Warnock.

"I'm speaking to the board regarding a striker, but there is not just Dean there is two or three others to look at."

Windass, who scored three goals in four games, became a fans' favourite at Bramall Lane when he made the loan stint to south Yorkshire in November.

But third-placed United, who are hoping to clinch promotion to the Premiership this season, could only afford to take the front-man on loan because Boro agreed to pay a large chunk of his salary.

It is thought that Windass would be keen to complete a switch but he would have to take a big drop in wages, as the First Division outfit do not have enough cash to match the player's terms at the Riverside.

And as Windass continues to attract attention from Sheffield, Boro boss McClaren is continuing his search for new blood.

The former Manchester United number two has been scouring Europe in his bid to bring in a striker and a midfielder in on loan. But he has admitted that he has no money available to try to secure permanent deals.

McClaren said: "I know that the fans are very interested to know if we are bringing in any new players this month.

"I can say that I am actively looking because there is a need to strengthen areas of the squad.

"We have been watching players all season and we know what we would like to do.

"But nothing is done yet, and all we can do is to keep trying and hope that something can been agreed by all parties before the end of the month."

McClaren has been looking for a striker for a few months now - with a move for big Welshman John Hartson understood to have been blocked by his club Celtic.

But considering Boro's current injury plight, a midfielder could well be high on the manager's wanted list now. Middle men Mark Wilson (back injury and suspension), George Boateng and Juninho (both knee problems) are all out.

Meanwhile, Ugo Ehiogu is back at home recovering from two fractured ribs and a punctured lung picked up at Blackburn on New Year's Day.

The centre-back has been in hospital since the clash with Rovers keeper Brad Friedel and he is not expected to return to action for Boro until around March.

l Boro defender Jason Gavin has returned from a two-month loan deal at Grimsby Town

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