Boro rules out Ince transfer

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren denied today that skipper Paul Ince could be sacrificed in a bid to land Everton's Michael Ball.

Speculation the 33-year-old midfielder could be used in a £5 million deal to bring full-back Ball to the Riverside Stadium has been rejected on Teesside, although McClaren's interest in the 21-year-old England international is well-known.

Everton manager Walter Smith has admitted that Ince is one of a number of players he wants to sign but McClaren said: "There's no suggestion from this end that Paul will be part of any deal involving Michael Ball. Paul is happy here and we're happy with him.î

McClaren refused to comment on the progress of talks which could see striker Andy Campbell move to Crystal Palace for £1m.