ANDY van der Meyde's agent issued 'a come and get him' message to Middlesbrough last night.

Van der Meyde is set to leave Italian giants Internazionale this summer after failing to hold down a regular place in the side following his move to Milan from Ajax two years ago.

Reports this week suggested Boro - who were linked with the Dutch winger during the January transfer window - had made a move for the 25-year-old and he was on the verge of a transfer to Teesside. Despite these rumours, van der Meyde's agent, Chiel Dekker, insisted there had been no contact from Middlesbrough regarding his client's availability.

"I have had no contact regarding Andy," said Dekker. "I have spoken to Inter and they told me also they have had no contact or calls.

"Yeah, there is interest in Andy, but the problem is where do you go after Inter? And then there is the salary and contract.

"Andy has two years on his contract and we wait on Inter as they must decide whether or not they want to keep him.

"We are in no rush and I am not pro-active at the minute as he is at a great club but, it all depends on Inter."

If Boro do move for the Holland international they will face fierce opposition from Champions League bound Everton, who tried to sign the skilful winger last summer.

Dekker admitted his client would consider a move to England and the Toffees would be favourites following their Champions League qualification.

"Everton were interested in Andy, but I have not heard anything new yet," acknowledged Dekker.

"They would be attractive now they are in the Champions League, but Andy would consider every club whether it be Everton, Spurs or Middlesbrough.

"I think if Andy were to leave Italy, he would like to go to England as the game would suit him as he shown when he has played in the Champions League against English teams."

Van der Meyde was hailed "a great prospect for the future" by former Holland coach Dick Advocaat after he marked his Holland debut - in a friendly against the United States three years ago - with a goal in a 2-0 win.

The winger played in both legs of Holland's Euro 2004 qualifying victory against Scotland, and started the finals in Portugal until a poor run of form cost him his place to Marc Overmars in the semi-final defeat to the hosts.

l Manchester City's Lee Croft is predicting big things for the Blues next season providing Stuart Pearce is confirmed as manager.

The 19-year-old winger has become a regular member of City's first-team squad since Pearce succeeded Kevin Keegan on a temporary basis in March and is expected to be on the bench for Sunday's make-or-break tussle with Boro.

''European qualification would be a massive statement for the club,'' he said.

''If someone had said earlier in the season, when results were not going our way, that we would get to the final day in this position, they would have been called stupid.

''But the gaffer has come in and really turned things around.

''Everyone is playing for him and the results are now going our way. If he gets the job, this team could really go places next year.''

Pearce is expected to be installed as manager at some point prior to the Middlesbrough game.