CHRISTIAN Karembeu found himself grounded yesterday as his move from Middlesbrough to Greek champions Olympiakos was hit by a flight delay.

The France star had been due to be unveiled to fans after jetting in from Paris where he agreed a deal now reckoned to be worth £40,000-a-week tax free.

But midfielder Karembeu must wait until today before he can rubber-stamp his £3.5m transfer, only a year after Bryan Robson lured him to Teesside from Real Madrid for £2.1m.

Karembeu, a World Cup, Euro 2000 and European Cup winner, came with a big reputation but failed to live up to expectations despite scoring a vital equaliser in Boro's relegation fight as they drew 1-1 draw at Bradford in the penultimate game of last season.

The healthy profit on the 30-year-old strengthens the hand of new Boro boss Steve McClaren as he looks to add to the £6.5m signing of England defender Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa.

Former Manchester United assistant manager McClaren is keen to bring Old Trafford's England Under-21 duo Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson to the Riverside Stadium, and now has the cash to finance a £4m double deal.

Read more about the Boro here.