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Championship hitmen in Boro link
Middlesbrough, 12:15, June 19, 2009 ,
Boro have been linked with a move for out-of-contract strikers Leroy Lita and Shefki Kuqi from Reading and Crystal Palace respectively.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is looking for a proven Championship hitman to try and spearhead an instant return to the Premier League next season. And, having denied links to Leeds frontman Jermaine Beckford, Boro are now being linked to two more possible targets.
Former England Under-21 international, Lita, is looking for a new club after the Royals released him at the end of last season having failed to secure promotion to the top-flight in the play-offs. And Lita, who scored seven goals in 16 games while on loan at Norwich last term, is now looking to find a new club ahead of the new season.
A host of Championship clubs have been linked to the former Bristol City forward and Boro would face a real battle to land him if they are interested.
Meanwhile veteran Finnish international striker, Kuqi, has been linked to the Teessiders and West Brom after confirming that two of the three clubs relegated from the Premier League are interested in signing him on a Bosman free transfer.
The much-travelled hitman, who is out of contract at Palace this summer and is yet to agree fresh terms, told the Croydon Advertiser: "I've not made a decision yet - I want more time to think.
"A couple of clubs that have come down from the Premier League have shown an interest in me."