Villa and 'Boro chase Mijatovic

Fiorentina have interest from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in striker Predrag Mijatovic.

The Yugoslavian international joined the Italian team after the last World Cup from Real Madrid but wants to quit Florence after failing to become a regular for new coach Fatih Terim.

Fiorentina want at least £6 million for the striker but both Premiership team's are interested in this proven goal scorer.

Villa are set to abandon all attempts to sign South African striker Benny McCarthy from Celta Vigo after the Liga club stuck by their £12 million valuation of the 23 year old.

The club's shareholders have attacked chairman Doug Ellis for failing to invest in the team and boost their chances of the Champions League place this season.

A finisher is the club's priority while Middlesbrough have seen Alen Boksic succumb to numerous injuries since they signed him in the summer.

New coach Terry Venables wants to boost the goal scoring of the club who are second bottom of the Premiership as he starts his six month contract at the club and he has £30 million to spend on new players.