BRESCIA are attempting to lure Paul Ince back to Italy as the former England midfielder prepares to quit Middlesbrough.

The Serie A side want the Boro skipper to take over the mantle of Spanish star Josep Guardiola, who is bound for rivals Roma.

Ince has failed to reach agreement with Boro over a new deal and is out of contract.

Everton, Manchester City and Wolves have all shown an interest, but there have so far been no takers in the domestic game for the 34-year-old warhorse, who has had a huge influence on Boro since his £1m switch from Liverpool nearly three years ago. Ince enjoyed an equally successful two-year spell in Italy with Inter Milan before his move to Anfield in 1997.

Meanwhile, Boro boss Steve McClaren has issued a rallying cry to the faithful with the pledge to bring in "two or three more top-quality'' recruits.

The England coach has already snapped up Italy Under-21 striker Massimo Maccarone from Empoli in an £8m-plus deal and is promising further imminent signings who will excite the fans.

Before taking a break after his World Cup duties, McClaren said: "Over the next few days I'm going to be working hard to bring in further signings. I'm hopeful of making some real progress before I go on holiday.

"I'm certainly looking at bringing in two or three more top-quality players before the season begins.

"I'm only looking to bring in players that will improve the team and excite the fans.

"We all know what was missing last season, but I aim to give the fans a team that will create more chances and score more goals.

"I hope the fans will back us in numbers. It's great to hear that season ticket sales are up on the same stage last season.

"The supporters can play a huge part for us with their backing, which will not only boost the players by creating a great atmosphere, but will provide us with the sort of revenue needed to bring in some new players.

"It would be fantastic to see a full Riverside week in, week out next season. The fans gave us tremendous support last year and I would ask for more of the same this time around.''

Boro have frozen season ticket prices for a third successive year and introduced a new concession for under-nines which works out at less than £5 per match in certain areas of the stadium.

Season tickets purchased on or before a week today cost between £313 and £470 for adults. After this date, they will increase to between £342 and £510.

* Boro's visit to Manchester United, originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, has been switched to Tuesday, September 3 (7.45) because of the Red Devils' Champions' League commitments.

* Former Boro midfielder Emerson has moved from Deportivo La Coruna to Atletico Madrid in a £4.2m deal.

Fellow Brazilian and ex-Boro star Juninho is still on Atletico's books, but is seeking a return to the Premiership after loan spells in his homeland with Vasco da Gama and Flamengo

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