Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson has put French midfielder Christian
Karembeu at the top of his summer shopping list.
But the club have denied they are a long way from clinching a deal with Real Madrid.
A Middlesbrough spokesman said: "We have declared an interest in the player,
that's all. Bryan Robson is currently on holiday."
Karembeu was only a substitute in the Real Madrid side that defeated Valencia in
the European Cup final and has struggled to shift Steve McManaman from the first
team this season.
One consolation for Karembeu is the news that he has been called up into the
French Euro 2000 squad.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Boro have secured the services of Australian international captain Paul
Okon on a free transfer - under the Bosman ruling – from Fiorentina where he spent two seasons.
It is believed that the 28-year-old has passed a medical and has accepted a three-year contract after turning
down offers to stay in Italy’s Serie A.
Karembeu at the top of his summer shopping list.
But the club have denied they are a long way from clinching a deal with Real Madrid.
A Middlesbrough spokesman said: "We have declared an interest in the player,
that's all. Bryan Robson is currently on holiday."
Karembeu was only a substitute in the Real Madrid side that defeated Valencia in
the European Cup final and has struggled to shift Steve McManaman from the first
team this season.
One consolation for Karembeu is the news that he has been called up into the
French Euro 2000 squad.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Boro have secured the services of Australian international captain Paul
Okon on a free transfer - under the Bosman ruling – from Fiorentina where he spent two seasons.
It is believed that the 28-year-old has passed a medical and has accepted a three-year contract after turning
down offers to stay in Italy’s Serie A.