MIDDLESBROUGH boss Bryan Robson is ready to switch his sights to Peruvian ace Roberto Palacios if Atletico Madrid refuse to drop their asking price for Juninho.

Boro are understood to have hardened their interest in former Newcastle United target Palacios, who plays in Mexico with Tecos Guadalajara.

The £4.5m-rated midfielder is also attracting the attention of newly-promoted Manchester City, but sources claim Robson has indicated he could fly out for talks with Palacios once he has concluded scouting duties at Euro 2000.

United boss Bobby Robson pulled out of the chase for Palacios because of the problems he has encountered with fellow Peruvian Nolberto Solano's trans-Atlantic travels.

When he learned that Palacios would not be joining him on Tyneside, Solano said: "I'm sorry he's not coming because he's a very good player.''

Boro, however, remain hopeful that they can persuade hard-up Atletico to lower their £5.9m demand for Juninho.

The Brazilian, currently in his native Sao Paulo where he is recuperating from an end-of-season ankle operation, is anxious to return to Boro in a permanent deal following an eight-month loan spell last season.

But Boro's valuation of Juninho falls well short of the fee Atletico are seeking and the clubs plan to have further talks.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson said: "We will sit down and assess what the cost is and make a decision on what is right for our club. It has got to be effective. The club is not about one player.''

In Boro's favour is the fact that potential suitors are in short supply. Portuguese giants Benfica have expressed an interest in Juninho, but only on a loan basis and the 27-year-old is reluctant to make another temporary move.

Meanwhile, Barcelona insist the bidding will start at £12m if they decide to cash in on striker Dani, who is high on Boro's wanted list.

Uncertainty still reigns at the Nou Camp following the exit of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.

l Stan Collymore was today assured by new Leicester manager Peter Taylor that he has a future at Filbert Street. ''I would be mad to think about letting him go,'' said the former Gillingham boss after signing a three-year deal.