Midfield dream for Boro

There has been no official announcment but it is believed that Boateng could be a Boro before the end of the week, although Boro's £4m offer is some way short of Villa's £7m valuation.

Boateng's agent Barry Silkman has stated that he doesn't want to go public on the reasons why Boateng will not be staying, but is adamant that he will not be reporting for pre-season training with Villa.

Steve McClaren will have a difficult job prising 21-year-old Hargreaves away from Bayern Munich but hopes his contact with him during the World Cup will give him a good chance of persuading the £10m-rated youngster to move.

Boro continue to be linked with Muzzy Izzet and have now been linked with Spanish midfielder Luis Helguera who is currently playing in Italy with Udinese.