Middlesbrough are on the verge of signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, according to The Sun.

Boro boss Steve McClaren has been watching developments closely since the Dutch striker was released by Chelsea.

Charlton, AC Milan and Rangers are also reportedly chasing the 31-year-old.

They all baulked at his £30,000-a-week wage demand, but McClaren has no problem stumping up the cash and he cannot wait to pair him with Mark Viduka.

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 Milan Baros has confirmed that his agent has spoken to the man hoping to make him a Real Madrid player this summer. (Daily Mail)

Lorenzo Sanz, one of three standing in the Spanish club’s presidential elections, wants to make the Czech Republic international his first signing if he wins on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Liverpool striker revealed how his agent, Pavel Paska, had spoken to Sanz about the deal, but insisted nothing would happen without the say-so of new Anfield boss Rafael Benitez.

“Real have made a concrete offer but it is still a question of discussions,” said Baros. “When I return to Liverpool, I will talk with coach Benitez.”

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Aston Villa have emerged as shock contenders in the race for Patrick Kluivert. (Star, Sport)

They are apparently ready to smash their pay structure to grab the Dutch striker from under the noses of Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

Villa boss David O’Leary has set his sights on Kluivert after a frustrating summer. He has made just one signing so far - Danish defender Martin Laursen.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho last night warned that the Premiership title may be beyond his multi-million pound squad’s grasp in his first season.

Mourinho was drafted in by billionaire Roman Abramovich to improve on the record of sacked coach Claudio Ranieri, who led Chelsea to second in the League and the Champions League semi-finals.

Mourinho, now downsizing his aspirations, said: “It would not be a failure if we do not win the League this season.”