MIDDLESBROUGH were last night looking to land Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet in a cut-price deal.

The Turkey international, who rejected a £6m move to Teesside in March to stick with Leicester in their doomed struggle against relegation, revealed yesterday that Boro had submitted a revised offer which sources claim could be worth no more than £4m.

Izzet also admitted that he has had a fresh round of talks with Boro boss Steve McClaren, who only a week ago hinted that his interest in the 27-year-old schemer had cooled.

With Brazil star Juninho lined up for a return to the Riverside from Atletico Madrid and Italy striker Massimo Maccarone having signed in a club record £8.15m deal, McClaren is keen to keep the momentum going in the transfer market.

Following confirmation that they had agreed an undisclosed fee with Atletico for Juninho and completed Maccarone's move from Empoli, a Boro spokesman promised: "We'll be back in the market.''

And Izzet, whose hopes of a move to Celtic or West Ham have been dashed, said: "As far as I'm aware, it's up to Leicester now.

"I spoke to Steve McClaren two days ago and a bid has gone in again. But I understand it's for a smaller amount.''

Meanwhile, Juninho has confirmed his willingness to rejoin Boro, who are poised to open talks with the 29-year-old midfielder.

Juninho said: "I know the deal will be done. We agree on everything and it's just a matter of putting pen to paper.''

* Spanish side Alaves have replaced Greek giants Olympiakos as Boro's opponents at the Riverside on Wednesday, August 7 (7.45).

Meanwhile, Boro's friendly with Italian Serie A side Udinese will now take place in Austria on Thursday, July 25 (kick-off to be confirmed).

Boro's other senior pre-season games: Tuesday, July 30 Sheff Wed (A) 7.30; Friday, August 2 Hull City (A) 7.45; Monday, August 5 Bradford City (A) 7.45; Saturday, August 10 Empoli and Modena at Mantova, Italy, 7.45.

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