Middlesbrough's pursuit of Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke looks likely to come to a conclusion one way or the other later today.
Boro boss Steve McClaren has been on the trail of the 30-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international for several weeks, and stepped up his efforts after United snatched Uruguayan target Diego Forlan from his grasp last week.
But after seeing his side win 1-0 at Sunderland last night despite having defender Gianluca Festa sent off, he admitted time was running out.
"There's nothing to report on that," he said. "I think the last time was after Saturday's game or even yesterday and events were closing, and I think they're closing even quicker now.
United's bid to sign West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio is thought to rest on their ability to move Yorke on, and they have to do that by Thursday if the Italian is to be eligible for the next stage of the European Champions League.
However, it is understood that Yorke's wage demands - reports have suggested he is holding out for Stg£57,000 a week from the Teessiders - are proving the stumbling block.
However, the need to recruit fresh striking talent may have abated slightly with the return to form of Noel Whelan, who scored the winner at the Stadium of Light to take his tally to five in his last eight games with star hitman Alen Boksic on the verge of full fitness.
PA