Premiership: Forlan destination still not clear

Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan was expected to land in Britain this morning but his final destination is still to become clear.

Forlan was due to fly into the country to join the Barclaycard Premiership’s foreign legion with Middlesbrough his number one choice.

But Boro boss Steve McClaren was unsure over Forlan’s destination and still faced the prospect of former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson nipping in with a late bid to redirect the striker from the Riverside to Old Trafford.

Forlan saidl: ‘‘I am going to England to sign for Middlesbrough - but if there are any new developments then I will analyse them.

‘‘I am aware that I have the last say and it is a big responsibility.

‘‘I am happy to go to England because the football that I most admire in Europe is in England. To be part of it would be a dream.’’

Officials from Middlesbrough had travelled to South America and agreed a €8.7m fee with Argentinean side Independiente.

But the deal has stalled because the cash-strapped club want the money in a one-off payment, while Boro want to pay it in installments - which has opened the door for United again.

It is believed Forlan would prefer to move to Old Trafford rather than the Riverside Stadium - and Independiente say they have no qualms about forging an 11th-hour deal with United.

Andres Ducatenzeiler, general secretary of Independiente, claims United will attempt to discuss a last-gasp move when Forlan arrives at Gatwick Airport.

Ducatenzeiler said: ‘‘We are going to Middlesbrough to finalise the details of the transfer and to sign.

‘‘We are aware that Manchester United will try to talk to the player personally once we are in England.

‘‘The only way Manchester United will take Diego Forlan is if they pay US dollars 10million. If they do so, Forlan will go to Manchester.’’

United’s hopes were raised by McClaren’s admission that talks with Independiente had reached a ‘‘stalemate’’.

McClaren told the club’s official website, www.mfc.co.uk: ‘‘We’re at a stalemate at the present time.

‘‘There are that many people involved, I think we’ve come away from the deal at the present moment and we’re just waiting for someone else to make a move.

‘‘We knew big clubs around Europe were all in, that’s why we tried to take the bull by the horns and do the deal quickly.

‘‘I don’t think it’s working out as we planned, but we’re not giving up yet and we’re fully prepared over the next couple of days to move on.’’

Now United have a chance to gazump Boro and replace Andy Cole - sold recently to Blackburn for €10m.