Aliadière move to Boro puts Yakubu's place in doubt
Jérémie Aliadière will today complete his £3m move from Arsenal to Middlesbrough, who have also now expressed an interest in Manchester United's Alan Smith.
With Boro having already signed the Turkish striker Tuncay Sanli from Fenerbahce the arrivals, if Smith is signed, will raise significant doubts over the future of Ayegbeni Yakubu at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro are understood to be prepared to pay around £6m for Smith, although it is unlikely that any deal will be concluded quickly as the 26-year-old wants to have face-to-face talks with Sir Alex Ferguson. Smith has two years left on his current deal at Old Trafford, but has been told he is unlikely to be offered a new contract.
Yakubu is believed to be unsettled at Boro, having arrived two years ago for £7.5m from Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp is keen for him to return to Fratton Park but the price demanded may prove prohibitive.
