STEVE McCLAREN last night insisted that Geremi can realise his ambitions at Middlesbrough.

McClaren was quick to dismiss reports linking Manchester United with an £8m move for the Real Madrid midfielder, who has been a revelation while on loan at the Riverside this season.

Sources close to the player also denied that United were attempting to hijack Boro's hopes of concluding a deal this summer.

"I don't think there's any truth in it,'' said McClaren, who is confident he can win the chase for the 24-year-old Cameroon international and beat off interest from Liverpool.

Boro boss McClaren, who also described as "pure speculation'' suggestions that Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips is bound for Teesside, said: "We can match Geremi's ambition, which is why we have a very good chance of reaching agreement with him and Real.

"We're hoping to work out a deal - we're doing everything possible and we will do so until it becomes impossible within our budget.''

As exclusively revealed in Northern Echo Sport a fortnight ago, Boro have already opened talks with Real in an attempt to agree a deal.

Boro are understood to be hopeful that they can secure Geremi on a permanent basis for a fee of around £6m.

"We see Geremi as part of our plans,'' said McClaren. "He's a very good player and everyone has seen that this season. He's playing in a good team, and the main thing is that he is enjoying it here.''

Tenth-placed Boro are eyeing a possible double route into Europe - via the Premiership or the Fairplay League.

The Teessiders are front-runners in the Fairplay League and McClaren said: "Ipswich wouldn't have turned that down last season; they got into the UEFA Cup through the Fairplay League.

"We're there or thereabouts - it's like our position in the Premiership.

"But there are six games to go and a lot of referees between now and the end of the season. We have to keep playing in the right manner and spirit, and show discipline.

"We haven't put Europe out of our minds. It's all about targets and we've knocked one target off by reaching 45 points and equalling our total for last season.

"Now we're looking at 52 points, our best Premiership total, and ninth place, our best finish.''

Boro, unbeaten in seven games, are also the current form team in the Premiership with title-chasing Manchester United, both sides having taken 14 points from their last six matches.

McClaren's men are looking to extend their run against Kevin Keegan's Manchester City at Maine Road this afternoon.

Geremi was among the goals when Boro won 3-1 at home to City in November. "City are a very good, attacking team and similar to ourselves,'' said McClaren.

"Anyone who saw the game at the Riverside would vouch that it was a great match, and we expect another one this time.''

McClaren, meanwhile, has tipped Malcolm Christie to become a 20-goals-a-season striker.

Christie, who joined Boro from Derby County for £3m just before the transfer window closed in January, has scored three goals in five starts for his new club.

McClaren said: "Everybody knows from Malcolm's time at Derby that he's a good finisher.

"What pleases me is that we are providing the ammunition for our strikers.

"If we can keep improving the service, I think Malcolm can get 20 goals in a season.''

McClaren has five strikers vying for places - Christie, Massimo Maccarone, Michael Ricketts, Szilard Nemeth and Joseph-Desire Job.

Ricketts, currently out with an Achilles injury, arrived from Bolton on the same day as Christie, and McClaren added: "All the forwards have reacted well to the new signings.

"Those who aren't in the team are fighting to get back in and that's what I want to see.''

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