Boro 'agree' fee for Smith
25 Jun 2007 - 08:18:14
Manchester United will reportedly allow Alan Smith to leave after accepting a £6million bid from Middlesbrough for the England striker.
The 26-year-old former Leeds United forward had been linked with Boro's north-east rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland in recent weeks.
But Boro boss Gareth Southgate has edged ahead in the race to land the unsettled England striker, who had been keen to remain at Old Trafford despite finding first-team opportunities limited.
Smith, who still has two years remaining on his United contract, had struggled to recapture his best form since returning from a year on the sidelines with a horrific broken leg and ankle injury.
Earlier in the month, Smith had revealed his frustration at rumours linking him with a departure after scoring only 12 times in 93 games since moving to Old Trafford from Leeds three years ago for £7million.
"If they're going to sell me, I'd like to know. But I won't find out unless I get to speak to the manager," he said.
"If you're no longer wanted, then you have to consider your options.
"If the manager tells me he wants me, I'm there for him. If he says he doesn't, it's time to move on.
"He didn't say anything to me at the end of the season. We played the FA Cup final, went home the next day and that was it."
