Boro declare Smith interest

Smith value Smith at £10m

Leeds striker Alan Smith is on Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren's summer shopping list.

McClaren admitted his interest in the England striker, who is certain to leave Leeds if they are relegated.

The Boro boss tried to sign Smith's strike partner Mark Viduka during the January transfer window.

McClaren told Boro's website: "We've got a lot admiration for Smith and Viduka and we will be expressing our interest."

The Boro boss would be keen to unite the Leeds pair at the Riverside.

We've got a lot of admiration for Smith and Viduka Boro boss Steve McClaren

He added: "There are lots of players we would like to bring here and we've got a lot of admiration for Smith and Viduka.

"There's going to be lots of speculation as the summer draws near.

"This week it's those two, who knows who we will be linked with next week?

"For me, the most important thing is keeping this squad together and that's what I'm concentrating on.

"We've won one trophy and we have a great spirit in the dressing room.

" We need to be ready for Europe and that means keeping these lads together and adding some quality."

The auction for Smith is already underway, with Birmingham City having had a £5.75m bid turned down by Leeds who value the striker at £10m.