Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson is closing in on two major targets as he looks to add more flair to his side for the new Premiership campaign. The Boro manager has been linked with a bewildering array of players in recent months, but while not identifying some of the men on his shopping list, he is confident of success within the next fortnight.

One of those who could be heading to Teesside is £7million-rated Wolves striker Robbie Keane, who is currently on holiday but will return to learn just how strong Robson's interest is.

"It's always the same at this time of the year," Robson said. "If people know you've got a bit of money to spend, you're linked with everybody, and that's what's happening.

"But with respect to Robbie Keane, we've spoken to Wolves and that's ongoing, but the kid's away on holiday at the moment.

"That's one that obviously we would like to tie up if we possibly can.

"Within the club, we've been looking all over the place. We have looked abroad and we're looking in this country to try to strengthen the squad for next season.

"But it's quite slow this summer. For some reason, things aren't really moving as far as moving players on.

"We've got irons in the fire and I would say I'm hopeful that maybe in the next fortnight I can tie two players up."

Robson has made something of a habit of landing big name signings during the close season, with the likes of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Gary Pallister capturing the imagination of the fans, and he is keen to maintain that record.

"When fans are looking to buy their season ticket, they're hoping for a few new signings which excite them," he said "You hope that they're the calibre of player that will excite them, and that's what we're trying to do.

"We're going the right way. We've got a nice solid base with some good experience, and I feel we just need to add that little bit more flair to the side for next season.

"That's why I'm interested in people like Robbie Keane who can do something a little bit different on the pitch and have got loads of enthusiasm for the game. That's the area that I'm trying to improve on."

Robson admits, however, his interest in Ipswich Town's Kieron Dyer has cooled because of a valuation in excess of £5 million.