Middlesbrough face competition for signings

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Middlesbrough were hoping to make a transfer breakthrough today as both Ben Watson and Marlon King arrived on Teesside.

PA Sport understands both men have travelled to the north east to hold talks with Boro over prospective moves.

Boro's interest in Watson is complicated by the fact that both West Ham and Fulham have reportedly matched their £2m offer.

King's position is even more convoluted. He is currently on a season-long loan deal at Hull from Wigan but has reportedly not trained this week after a fall-out with Tigers manager Phil Brown.

The deal would involve him returning to Wigan, where he is surplus to requirements, and then immediately being sent out to Boro.

He has been linked with a possible swap for Egypt international Mido, who has made no secret of his hopes of leaving the Riverside Stadium amid prolonged interest from Latics boss Steve Bruce.

Both Wigan and Hull have stated however that, as things stand, King remains at the KC Stadium.

A Wigan spokesperson said: "There is no change. He is on loan with them for the season.

"If a season-long loan was terminated it would need the agreement of their club, our club and the league."

A spokesperson for Hull added: "He is a Hull player with a Hull squad number."

A Mido move to Wigan would see him team up with compatriot Amr Zaki at the JJB Stadium.

Mido told www.FilGoal: "My exit from Middlesbrough is almost certain, I am 95 per cent sure of that. I have got some offers, including one from Spain, but I am not yet decided where I'll go.

"I know there are talks with Wigan, and I have to say I would be happy to play alongside Zaki."

Mido is one of the few senior members of the current squad Boro might be prepared to let go after warning Tottenham off Stewart Downing and Portsmouth off Gary O'Neil.

However, O'Neil and his family have never settled in the north east and with cash at a premium, his future remains up in the air with manager Gareth Southgate in desperate need of new recruits.

Coincidentally, there has been speculation today that Hull are interested in Wigan striker Henri Camara, who is out of contract at the end of the season.