GOALKEEPER Mark Schwarzer yesterday shook Middlesbrough by admitting that his ambition is to leave the club and join one of Europe's elite sides.

Ahead of Australia's World Cup play-off first leg clash with Uruguay in Melbourne, Schwarzer told the Sydney Morning Herald of his desire to play on a bigger stage in club football.

"I'm not going to lie and say I'm completely happy where I am,'' said Schwarzer. "I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and that means playing in European competition regularly."

That will cause alarm on Teesside, where 29-year-old Schwarzer was rewarded with a club record six-and-a-half-year contract three years ago this month.

Former Boro manager Bryan Robson, who was succeeded by Steve McClaren this summer, lured Schwarzer from Bradford City nearly five years ago in a £1.5m deal.

Robson moved to tie Schwarzer to a long-term agreement to ward off interest from the likes of Manchester United, who had made discreet enquiries about the giant Aussie.

Schwarzer has already tasted life on the continent in Germany with Dynamo Dresden and Kaiserslautern, but now looks to be setting his sights much higher.

His words will disappoint McClaren who, by Schwarzer's own admission, had been "supportive'' when it emerged that the keeper, along with unsettled Boro midfielder Paul Okon, would be away for a month because of commitments to Australia.

Meanwhile, Leicester boss Dave Bassett has revealed that his move for Boro striker Brian Deane is in danger of collapse.

Bassett had hoped to land Deane in time for last Saturday's visit to Manchester United, after Boro agreed an undisclosed fee with the Foxes.

But talks over Deane's personal terms have stalled, and Bassett admitted: "There are still a lot of things to be sorted out.

"It has been ongoing for some time and when things drag on like this there is the danger that it will never happen. We will just have to wait and see."

Further talks are planned this week, but the stumbling block is understood to be 33-year-old Deane's wage demands and the length of contract.

With defenders Curtis Fleming and Steve Vickers having joined First Division Birmingham City on a month's loan, there were more temporary outgoings at Boro yesterday.

Midfielder Mark Summerbell has joined First Division basement side Stockport County for a week's trial, while defender Steve Baker has linked up with Conference crisis club Scarborough on a similar arrangement.

Summerbell, 25, has not figured in Boro's first team this season, and earlier in the campaign had a loan spell with Bristol City.

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Baker, 23, spent a loan period with Third Division Hartlepool United last term and had temporary stints at Huddersfield and Darlington two seasons ago.

Stockport, however, appear to have missed out in their bid to secure the services of Blackburn striker Mark Hughes on loan.

County manager Carlton Palmer made an enquiry about the availability of the Wales manager but Sheffield Wednesday are now thought to be leading the chase.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness admitted: ''Mark has been magnificent for me. If something came in that he really wanted to do, then we wouldn't stand in his way.

''He is, however, an important part of our plans at the moment.''

Meanwhile, County full-back Keith Briggs has signed a new contract that will keep him at Edgeley Park until summer 2005.

Barnsley striker Kevin Gallen is in talks with former club QPR about a move back to the capital

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