Viduka poised to sign for Middlesbrough

The Leeds striker, Mark Viduka, was undergoing a medical at Middlesbrough's Rockcliffe Park training ground yesterday afternoon with a view to finalising a transfer deal.

Steve McClaren, the Boro manager, said: "I can confirm that Mark is at the club today. He will be taking a medical and we will be looking to finalise details of a deal to make him a Middlesbrough player within the next day or two." He added that a deal to sell striker Michael Ricketts to Leeds was at an "advanced stage".

Viduka's departure was widely expected, with the club desperate to shed his £65,000-a-week wages bill. The Australian international joined from Celtic in a £6m deal four years ago, scoring 72 goals in 156 games.

Another victim of the West Yorkshire club's financial troubles is Jason Wilcox. The former Blackburn Rovers wide man has signed a 12-month contract with Leicester on a free transfer.

The Luton midfielder Matthew Spring has signed a three-year contract with Leeds to become manager Kevin Blackwell's seventh summer signing.