Mills price too high for Middlesbrough

Leeds suffered a blow last night when Middlesbrough refused to meet their £1.5million asking price for on-loan Danny Mills.

Talks are continuing over a permanent deal for the England right-back, who moved to The Riverside last summer on a season-long loan. Middlesbrough are apparently looking to get Mills for less than £500,000, while Leeds are hoping to recoup at least £1m. Roque Junior has joined Serie A side Siena on loan until the end of the season.

The Brazilian defender, still under contract with AC Milan, has returned to Italy after a disappointing spell at Elland Road.

Leeds are still unsure whether striker Mark Viduka will be available for this Saturday's home game against Middlesbrough. Viduka has been at the bedside of his critically ill father Joe since flying home to Australia after the defeat to Tottenham 11 days ago.

Caretaker-manager Eddie Gray has been in regular contact with Viduka, but the forward has given no indication when he will return.