MIDDLESBROUGH could still make a move for Argentine superstar Gabriel Batistuta when the transfer window opens in January.

The striker, once regarded by many as the finest in the world, has confirmed he is desperate to move to England when his contract runs out in June.

But Batistuta is currently out of favour at Italian giants Roma, who are known to be keen to farm their high-earning 33-year-old out on loan, and a temporary switch to the Premiership could be on the cards early in the new year.

The South American legend has admitted he would prefer a move to a London club, but he is prepared to listen to offers in a bid to quit Serie A after 12 seasons.

His agent Settimio Aloisio said: "He wants to play in England, but he has a contract with Roma until June 2003. We have already informed Roma that he will be leaving in the summer.

"His family want to go to England. His children, his wife and Gabriel are all studying English.

"We are in contact with English clubs. He would prefer a London club but if there are other clubs interested in him we will have to study them. He does want to join a Premiership club."

If Boro boss Steve McClaren decides to make a move for Batistuta he will face stiff competition from struggling West Ham United.

McClaren is desperate to add firepower to his goal-shy squad in a bid to push his side into a top six place.

He has indicated he is set to rest misfiring record signing Massimo Maccarone after a poor run of form in front of goal. The Italian has now gone ten Premiership matches without scoring.

But Maccarone is not the only front-man on Teesside yet to have found his goalscoring boots - Boro's front two have only scored once between them in their last 11 games.

The poor return from Boro's strikers has led to McClaren scouring to bring in a front-man on loan.

Celtic's John Hartson and Udinese's Vincenzo Iaqunita have both been targetted, but no deal was brokered.

McClaren is also a big fan of Derby County forward Malcolm Christie and he could yet be playing his football at the Riverside.

One thing is certain though and that is McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new blood.

Meanwhile, Boro's in-form attacking midfielder Joseph-Desire Job has returned to training and he is fighting to be included in the squad for this Saturday's trip to leaders Arsenal.

The African star has missed both of his side's draws against West Ham and Chelsea after sustaining a fractured skull in the match with West Brom on November 30.

Job, who has been a revelation this season in the hole behind the front two, was not expected back until Boxing Day at least.

And the 25-year-old was joined in training at Rockliffe by full-back Robbie Stockdale, who has missed the last six matches with a niggling ankle problem.

l Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer is desperate to fulfil his dream of playing in a World Cup.

And, following FIFA's decision to award Oceania direct qualification to the 2006 finals in Germany, Schwarzer believes the incentive of playing in his parents' homeland is the perfect incentive.

Australia have missed out on the finals by losing in play-offs in each of the last two qualifications.

And the 30-year-old, formerly of Dynamo Dresden and Kaiserslautern, said: "It's great news. Football in Australia has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and we deserve this prize.''

l David Murphy's return from injury moved up a gear last night when he scored in Boro's 2-0 reserve win at Everton.

The full-back damaged knee ligaments on the opening day of the season at Southampton, but opened the scoring last night, heading home a cross from 12 yards.

And from Tony Vidmar's corner, Craig Dove nodded in the second after 54 minutes.

Boro: Crossley, Cade, Murphy, Smith, Davies, Vidmar, Wilson, Dove (Graham 84), Windass (Gilroy 74), Marinelli (Storey 87), Downing

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