Premiership move in offing for Schwarzer

A Barclays Premiership club are understood to be close to signing Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The Australia number one had a transfer request accepted by Boro last week and was on the bench as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Conference North side Nuneaton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

He is believed to favour staying in England, and it is understood there could be developments over the next 24 hours.

Schwarzer’s agent Barry Silkman said last week: “He has been (at Middlesbrough for) eight years; he signed a new contract at the start of the season, and I just think he feels that maybe we’ve gone half the season and it’s just time to move on.

“I think Mark is one of the top three goalkeepers in the Premier League. Middlesbrough have been lucky to have him, and he’s been very lucky to have Middlesbrough. They have both been great for each other, but in his mind now he has decided he needs another challenge.”