Boro target a treble transfer swoop

2:04am Monday 30th June 2008

MIDDLESBROUGH are hoping to complete a transfer treble before the end of the week, with Didier Digard, James Harper and Marvin Emnes all close to finalising moves to the Riverside.

Digard's protracted move from Paris St Germain is expected to be completed within the next 48 hours, while Harper has confirmed his desire to move to Teesside provided Boro officials can agree a fee with his current employers, Reading.

The two clubs are around £1m apart in their valuation of the 27-year-old midfielder, but with the Royals desperate to raise money following their relegation from the Premier League, a compromise agreement is understood to be imminent.

Negotiations over Digard and Harper have been ongoing for most of the last month, but Emnes has only emerged as a viable transfer target within the last seven days after a proposed move to Feyenoord broke down.

However, with the Holland Under-21 international still certain to leave his current employers, Sparta Rotterdam, things could move quickly if Boro have a £2.75m offer accepted this week.

Emnes, a versatile 20-year-old who scored eight goals in 26 Eredivise games last season and was voted Sparta's player of the campaign, is seen as an attack-minded replacement for the recently-departed Fabio Rochemback.

The youngster has spent much of his career alternating between centre-forward and the right wing, but Boro boss Gareth Southgate is understood to see his future in a more central attacking midfield position.

He monitored Emnes' progress throughout the second half of last season, but only opted to step up his interest when the Dutchman was denied a move to Feyenoord.

Emnes had hoped to join Sparta's Rotterdam rivals, but his hopes were dashed when Feyenoord officials refused to match Sparta's asking price.

That alerted Southgate, and the Boro boss is hoping to head off interest from a number of his Premier League rivals by tabling a formal take-it-or-leave it offer of £2.75m.

Emnes has previously talked of his desire to remain in Holland, but with news of Middlesbrough's interest being reported in the Dutch press, his agent, Eduard Burleson, has confirmed that a move to the Premier League is a viable option.

"There has been a lot of interest in Marvin and that is no surprise as he is a big talent," said Burleson. "He has a couple of options available to him and he will be making a decision on his future very soon. Like any player, Marvin would welcome a move to England."

The latest deadline for Middlesbrough season-card renewals has passed, but supporters can still apply for a 2008-09 season card.

Prices have risen following Saturday's renewal deadline, but under-18s can still buy a season card for £105.

Supporters aged between 18-21 can purchase a season card for £215, over-65s can attend all of next season's Premier League home games for £270 and adult season cards now start from £429.

For details go to www.mfc.co.uk or contact the Riverside ticket office on 0844 499 1234

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