Portsmouth look to have won the race for Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka. The Australian is a free agent this summer and was one of the most sought after players in the Premiership with Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Sunderland and Newcastle all keen. Middlesbrough were desperate for the 31-year-old to stay but he was convinced by Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp that the club could match his ambitions and his wages of around £60,000 a week.
David James, 37 in August, has signed a one-year extension to his Portsmouth contract, keeping him at Fratton Park until the summer of 2009.
Middlesbrough right back Stuart Parnaby, who has interested Everton and Ipswich, has been told he will be allowed to leave at the end of the season, taking the number of players manager Gareth Southgate has culled in less than a year to 12.
