BENITO CARBONE'S lack of goals ultimately cost him a move to Middlesbrough.

Carbone, who was a huge hit with the fans and helped Boro reach Premiership safety during his three-month loan, returned to Bradford City this week after failing to agree a permanent deal at the Riverside.

It is understood Boro had agreed a cut-price fee with Bradford, but the 30-year-old Italian wanted a four-year contract, 12 months longer than the Teessiders were prepared to offer, on terms that would have upset the wage structure.

But the fact that he scored only one goal in 13 games proved an equally crucial factor in manager Steve McClaren's decision to pull the plug on talks.

Carbone this week accused Boro of stabbing him in the back as he faced the prospect of being in limbo at First Division Bradford.

The cash-strapped Bantams, feeling the full effects of the collapse of the Nationwide League's ITV Digital deal, are desperate to off-load a player who has a year left on his £40,000-a-week contract.

But McClaren yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with Carbone and had nothing but praise for the nomadic playmaker, who has appeared for 11 clubs in an often turbulent career.

"It was a dual decision - financial and footballing,'' said McClaren. "It was a tough decision, but one I had to make for the long-term. Beni has been in this sort of situation before and there's obvious disappointment when things don't work out.

"But I won't have a bad word to say against him because of what he's contributed to the club - he's been terrific.

"You have to make decisions sometimes which aren't popular and this one wasn't popular with Beni. He has his opinions but we made no promises.

"Once the decision is made, that's it and you have to move on.

"But we really appreciate what Beni did for this club. Everybody loved him while he was here and he did the job for us.

"On and off the field he's been a plus. He helped us achieve our target of being safe - he played a major part in that.

"It's unfortunate that things didn't work out, but we wish him all the best.''

McClaren is now training his sights back on South Africa striker Benni McCarthy, who has been on loan with Porto from Celta Vigo.

But McClaren denied reports that Boro had already lodged a £6m bid. He said: "He's one we tried to get on loan in September and we've kept track of him since then, but we haven't made a bid.''

McClaren is also still monitoring Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who turned down a £6m move to Boro in March, and Derby striker Malcolm Christie.

But with the World Cup looming, McClaren is leaving transfer business in the hands of chief executive Keith Lamb while the Boro boss takes up his coaching duties with England in the Far East.

"We've identified the targets and Keith will negotiate on behalf of the club,'' said McClaren, who hopes there will be new faces in the camp by the time he returns.

"I've made a million phone calls before I go away with England. We keep a tight rein on finances and it's a question of whether we can get the players we want within the budgets we've set. You have to be sensible.

"We don't want to put the club in financial difficulties.

"But that doesn't necessarily mean we won't make any spectacular signings.

"If we feel they are going to benefit the club and the deal is both viable financially and football-wise, you can't dismiss that possibility.

"I hope one or two people will be signed in my absence. You don't always get your No 1 target, but we'd like to tie things up as quickly as possible with those I've identified.

"And there's scope for people who might emerge at the World Cup.''

McClaren is also hoping out-of-contract midfielders Paul Ince and Robbie Mustoe agree new deals.

"There's always a risk when players come to the end of their contracts,'' admitted McClaren. "Paul and Robbie are in the same situation.

"We don't want to lose either of them and we're doing all we can to make sure they are here next season.''

Boro end the current campaign at Leeds today, bidding to end a run of four defeats in all competitions and finish in a top-ten spot.

The game pits Player of the Year Gareth Southgate against Rio Ferdinand, England rivals for a World Cup centre-back role.

McClaren said: "Rio has matured into an excellent defender. He's acquired discipline that was needed in his game and his performances for Leeds and England have been magnificent.

"Gareth has shown this season why I brought him here - he's been terrific and a fans' favourite. He thoroughly deserves to be going to the World Cup.''

Boro left-back Franck Queudrue is banned for his sending-off in the home defeat by Blackburn three weeks ago, while striker Alen Boksic is out with an Achilles injury.

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