Viduka To Begin Talks With Middlesbrough

Leeds striker Mark Viduka will begin talks with Middlesbrough next week about a move to the Riverside.

BBC Sport: Leeds striker Mark Viduka will begin talks with Middlesbrough next week about a move to the Riverside.

Boro have had a long-standing interest in the 28-year-old Australian international and remain the only club to have tabled an official bid for him.

Viduka, for sale at around £4m, is currently in Australia and negotiations will begin when he returns to the UK.

His agent Chris Page said: "We will be assessing Boro's interest now Leeds have told us we can talk to them."

Several other European clubs are interested in Viduka, with Roma and Benfica leading the chase.

But Leeds are keen to sell quickly to free up money for their own signings.

Elland Road boss Kevin Blackwell has already spoken to Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard and Coventry striker Julian Joachim.

And he is planning talks with Fulham striker Barry Hayles, Wolves defender Paul Butler and Manchester City midfielder Danny Tiatto.