Di Canio to stay as Yorke deal fails

Paolo Di Canio's £3million move to Manchester United seems certain to have fallen through after Middlesbrough today pulled out of talks to sign Dwight Yorke.

United wanted to sign Di Canio before tomorrow's Champions League deadline but the deal hinged on Yorke's transfer to Middlesbrough.

That move has now collapsed. Boro had been in talks with the 30-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international for several days after agreeing a £6.2m fee with United.

But the striker's personal terms were far in excess of what the Teessiders were prepared to pay, and manager Steve McClaren today pulled out of the deal.

A spokesman for the Riverside club said: "We were able to offer him what we believe was a very attractive package to join us. Unfortunately, it would appear the offer did not meet Dwight's aspirations. The club has therefore withdrawn its bid."

Meanwhile, Slovakian international defender Vladimir Labant should start tonight's Premier-ship game at Southampton.

Labant, who appeared as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 FA Cup draw at Chelsea on Saturday, is likely to be promoted in place of Nigel Winter-burn.

With Trevor Sinclair nursing a gashed foot, Northern Ireland international Steve Lomas will make his first start in two months after recovering from a broken toe.