PRESTON boss Paul Simpson is poised to make a summer move for Malcolm Christie after Middlesbrough yesterday confirmed that the striker would be released when his contract expires at the end of June.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate, who will also release Danny Graham this summer, has chosen not to offer the 28-year-old a new deal at the Riverside.
That has already alerted a number of potential employers in the Championship, with Simpson understood to be particularly keen on discussing a possible two-year deal with the former Derby striker.
The Preston boss, who released former Middlesbrough frontman Michael Ricketts earlier this week, is also resigned to losing David Nugent.
Nugent, who is a leading target of Sunderland manager Roy Keane, is expected to leave Deepdale for a Premiership employer after Preston failed to even make the play-offs this season.
His departure will leave Simpson chronically short of attacking firepower, and the former Carlisle boss views Christie as the kind of experienced striker that could make a difference to Preston's promotion prospects next season.
The former England Under-21 international has shaken off the persistent injury problems that have restricted him to just 49 senior appearances since he moved to Boro in January 2003.
His six senior starts this season have brought two goals and, while Christie has failed to live up to expectations following his £3m move from Derby, Southgate was quick to pay tribute to his efforts in a Middlesbrough shirt.
"I've spoken with Malcolm and we both feel a change would be the right thing for him," said the Boro boss. "I haven't been able to give him the opportunities he has understandably wanted.
"Now that Malcolm is over his injury problems, it's important for him to be playing but I feel he will have more of an opportunity to be first choice at another club. Malcolm is a good pro and a great lad to have around, so we wish him well wherever his future takes him.
"Boro fans should not forget his vital contribution to our first ever silverware (2004's Carling Cup) when he scored our extra-time goal against Brighton when we might have fallen at the first hurdle."
Graham will be following Christie through the Riverside exit door after recently completing a successful loan spell at Carlisle United.
The 21-year-old, who joined Boro from Northern League club Chester-le-Street Town four years ago, scored two goals in 21 senior appearances for the Teessiders. He is likely to attract interest from Hartlepool United, where he could team up with former Boro reserve team-mate Gary Liddle.
"I have no doubt that Danny will score goals wherever he goes," added Southgate. "But he didn't figure in my first-team plans so it's only right for him to move on and build a career."
Meanwhile, Emanuel Pogatetz has spoken of his pride at being named the Official Supporters' Club's Player of the Year.
The Austrian centre-half, who has missed just three Premiership matches all season, picked up his trophy at Wednesday night's awards dinner.
"I'm really proud to be Player of the Year but, in the end, I'm only one player out of a big squad and there are many players who deserve to be in my place," said Pogatetz. "I have to try to keep the standards I have reached and improve again. I'm really looking forward to next season. We have the players, we have the squad and I think it will be better than this year."
Andrew Taylor was named Young Player of the Year, while Lee Cattermole picked up an award for his off-the-field community work.
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