Boateng, Blomqvist closer to Boro deals

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren could complete his summer rebuilding programme by the end of the week by adding two more faces to his squad.

Boro were yesterday still locked in talks with Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng over a proposed £5m move to Teesside, while former Everton midfielder Jesper Blomqvist will discover by the end of the week if he will be offered a contract at the Riverside Stadium.

McClaren has been trailing Boateng for several months, and the Dutchman’s determination to leave Villa with two years of his contract remaining has left the England coach in the box seat.