Middlesbrough striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is moving closer to the exit door.

The Independent says Jeremie Aliadiere will today complete his £3m move from Arsenal to Middlesbrough, who have also now expressed an interest in Manchester United's Alan Smith.

With Boro having already signed the Turkish striker Tuncay Sanli from Fenerbahce the arrivals, if Smith is signed, will raise significant doubts over the future of Ayegbeni Yakubu at the Riverside Stadium.

Yakubu is believed to be unsettled at Boro, having arrived two years ago for £7.5m from Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp is keen for him to return to Fratton Park but the price demanded may prove prohibitive.