STEVE McCLAREN insists Rudolph Douala remains Middlesbrough's top transfer regardless of the speedy winger's cup-tied status for a UEFA Cup push if he did sign.

North-East rivals Newcastle United have now emerged as rivals for Douala's signature and that is likely to make Sporting even more determined to receive nearer to £7m for him.

Boro are hopeful of striking a deal for the Cameroon international but even if a deal can be agreed he will be ineligible to play in the club's UEFA Cup run.

Douala played in Sporting's Champions League qualifier with Udinese on Wednesday and rules state no player can play in any of UEFA's competitions for more than one club.

McClaren is not too concerned. Having lost Bolo Zenden this summer the need for a new face in midfield has become more pressing, and the manager admitted: "He is still of interest to us.

"Being cup-tied does not affect things really.

"There are still cups in this country for him to play in, not to mention a full Premier League season. It's been no secret that we want him."

Fulham, Everton and Birmingham have all been credited with an interest but it seems Newcastle are the club most likely to scupper any deal.

The Magpies have so far failed to prise Luis Boa Morte - also courted by Boro - away from Fulham and manager Graeme Souness is reasessing his options.

And Sporting director Raul Meireles said: "There is another foreign club in the running who perhaps can go further than Middlesbrough financially."

McClaren, who has only managed to sign Aiyegbeni Yakubu and Emanuel Pogatetz this summer, remains focused on adding two new midfielders to his ranks before the closure of the transfer window on August 31.

"We know we need to replace Bolo Zenden but we also need to find a player who can fill other parts of the midfield," said McClaren.

Boro have been boosted on the eve of the new Premiership campaign by the news Stewart Downing has finally signed a new five-year deal.

Downing agreed new terms weeks ago but had not actually penned the contract until yesterday.

That good news followed personal bad news that he will be omitted from next week's England friendly with Denmark after being called up to the Under-21s.

The 21-year-old is targeting a place in next summer's World Cup squad and McClaren said: "It's a big season for all players wanting to play in the World Cup and Stewart is one of those.

"He needs to perform consistently for Middlesbrough first. We are delighted that Stewart has agreed the deal. It puts to bed all the speculation about his future."

Newcastle's James Milner and Steven Taylor and Sunderland's Jon Stead are also named in the squad.

McClaren also revealed he has moved closer to signing his own contract he agreed last month and has explained the reasons behind the delay.

"It was important that all the staff were involved. We have all agreed. It's just a case of reading through all the drafts before we sign. Myself included," said the Boro boss.

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