McClaren targets Geremi

Middlesbrough were today locked in talks with Real Madrid defender Geremi as Steve McClaren got straight down to work on his return after the summer break.

The Teessiders confirmed earlier this week that they had spoken to the Spanish side about their 23-year-old Cameroon international, but denied that any talks with the player had taken place.

However, they confirmed today that the player has now flown in to open negotiations over what is expected to be a loan deal.

‘‘He’s here, but it is far from a done deal,’’ said Boro spokesman Dave Allan.

The African-born player would require a work permit before he could play in England and Boro are well aware of the hurdles they must overcome after failing to land South African striker Beni McCarthy last season when their application to the Department of Employment was refused.

The latest move in Boro’s summer rebuilding plans came on the day that McClaren returned to his desk after a busy summer on England duty and a short holiday.

Having seen his own future at the Riverside Stadium become the subject of speculation in the wake of David O’Leary’s departure from Leeds, he has now picked up the reins once again and has wasted no time in trying to push through his plans.

Geremi, rated at around £7m (€11m) by Real, looks likely to be one of the victims of a massive cost-cutting exercise at the Bernabeu Stadium.

A full-back by trade, he can play on either flank or in midfield, and he comes with a hugely impressive pedigree.

Born in Bafoussam, Cameroon on December 20, 1978, he began his career at home with Stade de Banjoun before moving to Racing Bafoussam and then, via Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno and Turkish side Genclerbirligi, arrived in Madrid in 1999 after sealing a £2.5m (€3.9m) switch.

He won his first international cap as a 17-year-old against Gabon in October 1996, but the honours have flooded in ever since.

He captained his country to Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000 and has also won two African Nations Cups.

At club level, he has twice tasted Champions League glory - the second time last season - with Real as has also lifted the league title and the Spanish Super Cup.

Geremi was a key member of Cameroon’s challenge at this summer’s World Cup finals, playing in all three games as they disappointingly missed out on qualification from Group E after defeat by Germany, a draw with the Republic of Ireland and a narrow win over Saudi Arabia.

His quality, coupled with Real’s financial problems, means that news of his availability had triggered a great deal of interest with both Chelsea and Arsenal among others having been linked with the player in the last year.

Boro’s defensive solidity last season suggests that their interest in the African is based more on his attacking qualities and that, if they land him, he could be employed in a midfield role.

Skipper Paul Ince and Robbie Mustoe have both left the club after rejecting new deals, while Boro’s bid to bring Juninho back to Teesside remains in the balance.

They have also admitted an interest in Paris St Germain’s Edouard Cisse as McClaren attempts to plug the gaps with proven quality, and with his squad due to fly out to Austria for a pre-season training camp on Sunday, he will hope to make significant progress over the next 48 hours.