Transfer update

Boro officially pulled out of the deal to bring Leeds midfielder Johnson to the Riverside after being advised by their medical team, although Boro boss Steve McClaren said he would monitor the players fitness and did not rule out a move for him in the close season.

Johnson only made 20 appearances for Leeds in the past 15 months and has just returned from a knee injury. It is thought that he could require an operation and Boro were not prepared to take that risk.

Meanwhile Steve McClaren said that significant progress has been made over the weekend, regarding the possible loan deal for Christie and Riggott from Derby. He revealed 'We're still in negotiations with Derby and it's very close, I expect to know something by the end of play today.'

Boro have also been linked with several other moves over the weekend, all of which have been denied by the club. The moves included Tottenhams continued link with Alen Boksic and Boro's interest in Kevin Bobson, from Ajax, and Jon Dahl Tomasson from Lazio.