MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren has vowed to keep searching in his bid to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premiership season.

Versatile Real Madrid star Geremi has sealed a season-long loan move to the Riverside and Paris St Germain star Edouard Cisse is currently on trial until the end of the week. And McClaren, who has already captured £8.15m record buy Massimo Maccarone, is keen to make a few more additions.

The former Manchester United No 2 said: "We're continuing to work hard to bring in more players for the new season."

The capture of Geremi, who can play in both midfield and defence, means that McClaren has moved a step nearer to solving his nightmare in the middle of the pitch.

McClaren is aiming to fill the void left by released pair Robbie Mustoe and Paul Ince. And the Boro chief admits 23-year-old Geremi is a player he has been tracking for some time.

"I'm delighted to have finally signed a player I first wanted last summer," said McClaren, whose side flew out to Austria yesterday for training ahead of a friendly with Italian side Udinese on Thursday.

"Geremi is a quality player who can play anywhere in midfield.

"He's a good athlete, strong and quick. He's got an excellent footballing pedigree at both club and international level." Geremi returned to Spain soon after completing negotiations. He can not join his new teammates officially until he is granted a work permit.

Boro's final offer to Brazilian Juninho is still on the table.

But the World Cup winner is understood to be waiting until his loan spell with Flamengo expires on July 31 before deciding on his future. McClaren has also been linked with another Brazilian - Botafogo midfielder Rodrigo.

Meanwhile, Maccarone drew a blank in a goalless draw with Second Division Oldham on Saturday.

Maccarone, a summer capture from Italian side Empoli, was partnered up front alongside Noel Whelan in a behind closed doors friendly at Rockliffe Park.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.