ACTUALITE |
04.07.2003
Geremi still on Boro list
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren insists he has not given up on Cameroon midfielder Geremi.
The Real Madrid midfielder spent last season on loan at The Riverside, but Boro looked to have been priced out of a permanent deal.
But the Boro boss told the BBC Sport website that the Cameroon international remained high on his list of summer targets along with another of last season´s loan stars, Brazilian midfielder Doriva.
"We have never given up on Geremi and we still won´t," said McClaren.
"He had a terrific season for us and I have always stated that we would love to bring him back here for another year or on a longer contract if possible.
"The price is still the main stumbling block. Unfortunately we couldn´t agree beforehand and we still can´t.
"Negotiations have really broken down but they may be resurrected," added McClaren.
Boro´s hopes of signing the midfielder have increased because Real appear to keep dropping the price.
The La Liga champions initially wanted in excess of £10m, but this website understands they may now accept less than £6m for the midfielder.
David Beckham´s arrival at the Bernabeau has increased the pressure on Geremi to break into the first team.
But McClaren fears the appointment of Carlos Queiros as coach may tempt Geremi to stay and fight for his place.
"Players can always say that a new coach coming in means new ideas and starting with a clean sheet," McClaren said.
"Geremi might feel that and he might feel he has done enough to attract the attention of other clubs, which he has.
Boro miss out on Dunn deal
"Only time will tell exactly how that one will work out.
"But the situation with him at the moment is very difficult because he has only just finished playing and has then had to deal with the unfortunate death of Marc Vivian Foe, which will take a while to get over."
McClaren also confirmed he is keen on persuading Doriva to sign a long-term deal at The Riverside.
"With Doriva, we are in the process of trying to do something with Celta Vigo to get him here on a more permanent basis.
"But there is still a bit of negotiating to do there," admitted the Boro boss.
GEREMI CAREER STATISTICS
Real Madrid: 63 games, 1 goal
Middlesbrough (loan):
34 games, 7 goals
Cameroon: 57 caps, 1 goal
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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