Boro target could be available

Middlesbrough could close in on Austria full-back Emanuel Pogatetz after learning Bayer Leverkusen may finally be ready to sell.

Boro manager Steve McClaren has been on the trail of the 22-year-old left-back for some time, but with little encouragement from the German Bundesliga club, although a breakthrough may now be possible.

Pogatetz spent much of last season on loan a Graz AK and he is currently playing for Spartak Moscow in Russia, but could be available for around £2m.

McClaren is keen to recruit back-up for French defender Franck Queudrue after seeing the depth of his squad exposed by injuries last season.