King moves to Middlesbrough on loan

Middlesbrough have agreed to sign Wigan striker Marlon King on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who has spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Hull, is expected to join up with the Teessiders over the weekend after travelling to the North East today to tie up his move.

Boro also hope to push through 23-year-old midfielder Ben Watson's £2million switch from Crystal Palace by the end of the day.

Manager Gareth Southgate said: 'We have an agreement with Wigan and with the lad (King) that he should join us over the weekend on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season.

'Ben has been here today, he has been having a medical and a look around.

'We have agreed a fee with Crystal Palace and we are hopeful that we can tie the deal up by the end of the day.'

Southgate is aware there is interest from elsewhere in Watson, but is hopeful his club's move has been decisive.

Meanwhile, Southgate also confirmed Wigan have been given permission to talk to Egypt striker Mido after enquiring about a loan move, but insisted that was separate to the King deal.

RTE