Bryan Robson's reign as Middlesbrough manager could be brought to an end today after seven years.

Robson has been in lengthy talks with chairman Steve Gibson and club officials since the end of the season.

And the club are now ready to make an announcement on the future of the 42-year-old and his assistant, Viv Anderson.

A Boro spokesman refused to confirm reports last night that Robson was leaving.

But it seems likely he has decided to go, with Steve McClaren ready to take over as team manager at the end of the week.

Sources close to the club hinted last night that an announcement over the new coaching set-up at the club was imminent.

Robson has two years remaining on his contract - like Anderson - and negotiations may have involved a compensation package.

Robson has been offered another position at the club but the former England captain has been affected by the hostility shown to him by sections of the Boro fans in the past 12 months.

It culminated in an abusive reception after the final game of the season against West Ham when he was booed as he walked on the pitch.

Robson has been discussing the situation with officials in the last two weeks and on the trip to the Far East recently, where Robson and Anderson played in a Boro team in the Singapore Seniors event.

Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb were also in Singapore.

l Middlesbrough target Stijn Vreven is prepared is prepared for a showdown with his club to secure a move to England.

The 27-year-old full-back, who is also wanted by Derby, Leicester and continental clubs, has been told by Utrecht he will not be allowed to leave, but he is determined to get away and warned the Dutch club's officials last night: "I cannot afford to let this opportunity pass me by.

"This is probably the last chance I will get to play in the Premiership, the biggest league in the world.

"I have been told about Middlesbrough and some other clubs and that's where I want to go."