Middlesbrough and West Bromich Albion have joined the race for Levante winger Mustapha Riga.

The 26-year old has gone eight months unpaid at the Spanish club, who have been struggling with their increasingly unstable finances, prompting the former Vitesse Arnhem man to consider using FIFA’s article 14.

The legislation allows players to cancel their contract with a club if there is ‘just cause’, and Riga’s predicament would certainly fall into that category.

Bolton Wanderers have been linked with a swoop for the former Holland under 21 international, but the player’s availability has alerted Boro boss Gareth Southgate and his counterpart at The Baggies, Tony Mowbray.

Riga has made public his desire to complete a move to the Premier League, having rejected the opportunity in the past.

“The Premier League has always been a dream,” Riga admitted to the Sunday Sun. “I’ve rejected other chances, now I don’t want to miss this chance.”

The three English clubs could yet face competition from sides around Europe, due to the lack of fee involved in any potential move for the player.

Ref From Will Wood - goal.com

Cardiff have signed Scotland striker Ross McCormack from Motherwell and defender Darren Dennehy from Everton.

McCormack, 21, was a target for Wigan and Middlesbrough in January but has opted to join the Bluebirds after reaching the end of his contract.

Dennehy, 19, was offered new terms by Everton but chose to move on.

Cardiff full-back Kevin McNaughton, who played when McCormack made his Scotland debut against Czech Republic on 30 May, has agreed a new three-year deal.

“This is further evidence that we are putting together a squad that can compete to gain promotion to the Premier League,” said Cardiff chairman Peter Risdale.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Dennehy graduated from the Goodison Park academy and can play at centre-back and in midfield.

McCormack started his senior career with Rangers and hit the headlines when he scored in a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Porto.

But he was loaned out to Doncaster later that season and left Ibrox in 2006 after making just 14 appearances for the Ibrox club.

McCormack’s first season with Motherwell was plagued by injury and he scored just three times in 15 appearances.

However, he enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, finding the net 11 times.

McNaughton arrived at Ninian Park from Aberdeen two years ago and was one of Cardiff’s most consistent performers last season.

Ref From BBC Sport