McClaren back for Morten

The left-sided midfielder, valued at around £1m, had a successful week-long trial with Boro late last year and manager Steve McClaren is keen to keep tabs on his progress.

Boro's European scout Don Mackay was in Bergen last night when Norway met rivals Sweden in an Under-21 clash.

Manchester United, Leeds, Everton and Southampton were also represented, along with a posse of top German clubs.

United have already been impressed by host club Brann's highly-rated Under-21 defender Erlend Hanstveit.

But Boro's chief interest concerns 20-year-old Pedersen, who first came to their attention 18 months ago when Bryan Robson was in charge at the Riverside.

Pedersen turned down the chance of a trial then, but agreed to link up with Boro this season.

Northern Echo Sport revealed last season that Norwegian pundits had hailed Pedersen as a Viking version of England captain David Beckham.

"His free-kicks are Beckham class, except he is left-footed,'' confirmed a source close to Tromso.

Pedersen had a trial with Wimbledon two seasons ago and was also a target for French side Nantes.

After his stint with Boro he said: "I was fairly satisfied with the way things went. I don't feel that I fell behind the other players in training.''

Meanwhile, McClaren has scotched suggestions that Boro have agreed a deal for on-loan Benito Carbone.

The Italian playmaker joined Boro from Bradford City in February on a three-month agreement.

Carbone has become such a firm favourite with the fans that McClaren has admitted: "They would string me up if I didn't sign him.''

McClaren is anxious to tie up £3m-rated Carbone on a permanent basis, but insists there is still some talking to be done.

"I read the story that it was all agreed and I couldn't believe it," he said. "It's the first I've heard about it.

"We've not even started to talk with Benito yet, although we certainly will be in the near future."

Read more about Middlesbrough FC here.