Newcastle face competition from derby rivals Middlesbrough for Steed Malbranque´s signature.The Magpies have targeted the 26-year-old Frenchman, who has only a year left on his contract at Fulham, as one of their major signings this summer. However, having believed they had seen off competition from Everton and West Ham with Manchester City also reported to be monitoring his situation, they have discovered Boro are interested in the former France Under-21 international.Newcastle, who were confident of landing the player for around £3.5million, will hope to be able to offer Malbranque, a former team-mate of coach Lee Clark, UEFA Cup football next season, something last season´s beaten finalists cannot.
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