Duo target Boro defender

Wigan and Swansea are set to battle it out for the services of Middlesbrough full-back Tony McMahon this summer.

The 26-year-old is available on a free transfer after Boro failed to tie him down to a new contract and both Wigan and Swansea are ready to offer him the chance of a step up to the Premier League. A number of rival Championship clubs are also thought to be in the running but McMahon would jump at the chance of a move to the top flight and will be hoping either Wigan or Swansea step up their interest. A move to the Liberty Stadium would give McMahon the chance to link up with former Boro star Leroy Lita, but Wigan is closer to home and may appeal more. McMahon struggled to win a regular place in the Middlesbrough side last season as Justin Hoyte dominated the right-back slot and it is thought boss Tony Mowbray could be happy to let the dead-ball specialist move on.