Boro in Bradley battle

7:22am Tuesday 10th June 2008

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FORMER Tottenham boss Martin Jol is hoping to scupper Middlesbrough's chances of signing highly-rated Heerenveen midfielder Michael Bradley.

Boro scout Gordon McQueen watched Bradley playing for the United States' national team against Argentina last weekend, and delivered a positive report to Gareth Southgate.

Southgate is ready to make a n formal offer of around £3m as he attempts to complete his first signing of the summer, but Middlesbrough will face competition from Jol following his appointment at German Bundesliga side Hamburg.

Jol is expected to lose highlyrated Holland midfielder Rafael van der Vaert this summer, and has prioritised the purchase of at least two experienced midfielders as a result. He is likely to have around £10m to spend if van der Vaert leaves, and has earmarked up to half for the capture of Bradley.

The 20-year-old midfielder, also linked with Everton and Manchester City, is keen to play in the Premier League after two seasons in Holland.

However, Jol will be prepared to match whatever offer Middlesbrough make him after Hamburg officials promised to fund a significant increase in the club's wage bill.

The Teessiders' best chance of signing Bradley would therefore appear to be to complete a deal before the end of the European Championships.

Van der Vaert will not be discussing his future until Holland's interest in the tournament is at an end, and Jol will not be in a position to make a formal offer for Bradley until the Dutch midfielder's contract situation is resolved.