FORMER Middlesbro transfer target Bobo Balde revealed he is looking to leave Celtic this summer writes Scott Wilson.

The Guinea international was on the verge of a move to the Riverside in January after holding a series of talks with Boro officials and even passing a medical at Rockliffe Park.

But, when those discussions collapsed, he signed a new contract at Parkhead that looked to have tied him to Glasgow for the next four years.

Balde has disclosed the details of the deal though and, rather than ruling out any future transfer talk, the contract includes a get-out clause that effectively makes him a free agent again this summer.

The 29-year-old defender has until August to find himself a new club unless he will be forced to return to Celtic and, while German giants Bayern Munich have already confirmed their interest, Boro boss Steve McClaren is also aware of Balde's availability.

"I've had a good time with Celtic and I honoured my contract to the end," said Balde, who played a prominent role in the Glasgow side's Scottish FA Cup final win over Dundee United last weekend.

"I had four years and then I signed another contract for four years. But I put in a clause because I wanted to be free at this time.

"Now I can go to any club for no money because when Middlesbrough and Birmingham asked me to sign for them in January I was free, so why not have the same situation this summer?

"I am free just for this transfer window although I am only interested in people who want me. I am going on holiday and then I will see what happens. I will get ready to be fit for the start of next season."

Meanwhile, Italian side Siena are expected to complete the signing of Massimo Maccarone within the next fortnight after securing their Serie A future last weekend.

Maccarone, who has spent this season on loan in his homeland, was a second-half substitute as Siena banished their relegation fears with a crucial 2-1 win over Atalanta.

The striker, who cost £8.15m, is still Boro's record signing but the Teessiders are willing to cut their losses and accept around £2m from a Siena board desperate to prevent another battle against the drop next term.