Boro boss makes bid for Ricketts

Middlesbrough have made a late bid to take Bolton striker Michael Ricketts to the Riverside Stadium.

Neither club was commenting on the matter this afternoon, but it is understood an approach has been made as manager Steve McClaren attempts to strengthen his squad during the final hours of the transfer window.

The highly rated 24-year-old’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks with Tottenham leading the race, but with time running out, it seemed the player would be staying at the Reebok Stadium.

Boro’s intervention came as they continued to try to push through a double swoop for Derby duo Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott, although the need to have them on board by noon today if they were to be available for tomorrow’s derby with Newcastle dissolved when the game was postponed.

The Teesiders’ efforts to land the England striker could be hampered by the lack of cash which has limited McClaren’s dealing to date – his move for Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson would have involved phased payments.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Argentinian striker Carlos Marinelli has joined Italian Serie A side Torino on loan until the end of the season.

Marinelli arrived at Boro as a 17-year-old from Boca Juniors in October 1999, but has struggled to make an impact despite initially impressing fans with his attacking flair.

He started the first three games of this season at Southampton, but has played only a bit part sense as McClaren has looked elsewhere.