As the waves subsided, the Riverside Stadium hierarchy dismissed the stories as speculation, although the conviction of those who believe there is no smoke without fire remained undimmed.

However, Boro returned to some semblance of business as usual as they unveiled club record signing Massimo Maccarone and confirmed that they have opened negotiations with Juninho which could see him return to the north east for a third spell.

Chief executive Keith Lamb has found himself at the centre of most of the activity at the club over the past month or so, and he admits that it has been a challenge.

‘‘I’ve enjoyed it,’’ he said. ‘‘It is busy, but that’s what we’re here for. These are exciting times.

‘‘We’re very pleased for the club and the fans, and hopefully Massimo and Juninho won’t be the end of new players coming into the football club.’’

It is Lamb who will attempt to push through the club’s move for Juninho, hopefully by the time McClaren returns from holiday in Spain next Monday.

The club’s fans may never know just where their manager, who insisted late on Sunday evening that he had no interest in the Elland Road job, fitted into the Leeds saga, but the powers-that-be are now pushing ahead with the latest phase of their blueprint for fututre success.

‘‘Steve McClaren and his backroom staff are fiercely ambitious and we share their ambitions for Middlesbrough Football Club, and bringing in new and better players is always our objective,’’ said Lamb.

Boro are targetting tow further signings in addition to Juninho, although McClaren is, as usual, playing his cards close to his chest.

Midfield now appears to be his main area of concern, although his interest in Leicester’s Muzzy Izzet seems to have cooled.

Royal Antwerp’s 20-year-old Nigerian international Justice Christopher is a player he has watched, although it is understood his is also keeping an eye on Matt Holland, whose Ipswich side were relegated at the end of last season.