Middlesbrough could have signed £11m Scot for as little as £250,000

Middlesbrough could have signed Fulham's new £11m striker Ross McCormack for a fee of £250,000, according to reports.

McCormack became the eighth most expensive British striker of all time when he signed for the Craven Cottage outfit, but ex-Boro boss Gareth Southgate could have signed the player for a fraction of that fee six years ago.

"Reports from North of the Border claim that Boro are likely to sign Motherwell winger Ross McCormack for £250,000," The Gazette reported in January 2008.

The north east club were busy trying to wrap up a deal for Alfonso Alves at the time, while also considering a move for fellow Brazilian Fred.

"Ross McCormack is a player we have been watching," Southgate is quoted as saying, "we've been in contact with Motherwell to let them know we have an interest."

Current Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka will start the new Championship campaign at home, with Birmingham City the guests.