Boro Step In To Nick Newcastle Target

Last updated : 25 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
According to reports today, Middlesbrough have agreed a fee with Manchester United for Smith, just when Newcastle were set to get the striker to sign.

The former Leeds frontman will not be offered a new contact at Old Trafford, suggesting to some that the player is not fully recovered from his broken leg injury that threatened his career.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long been a fan of the player, but suddenly things have changed and Fergie no longer has Smith in his plans. That in itself shows all is not well ... Manchester United do NOT let their best players move to another Premiership club.

Gareth Southgate has apparently stolen a march on Allardyce with a £6million bid.

Newcastle were reported at the weekend as the club Smith wanted to join, but Portsmouth and Sunderland are among the other clubs who are said to be monitoring the situation.