UKRAINIAN international Anatolii Tymoschuk has claimed that Middlesbrough are one of a host of clubs hoping to lure him to England, writes Scott Wilson.

The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder is desperate to secure a lucrative move from his homeland this summer and his agent is in the process of touting his name around most of Europe's leading sides.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren will step up his pursuit of potential signings when he returns from England's mini-tour of the United States at the start of next month.

And, while Tymoschuk does not figure prominently on his list of targets, the midfielder's agent, Andrew Blocksage, has claimed that Boro have declared an interest.

"There are a number of clubs interested in Tymoschuk including Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Everton and Bolton," said Blocksage.

"Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Tymoschuk and they have watched him on several occasions for club and country.

"A couple of big Spanish clubs have also asked about him and he is keen to join a club that is either playing in the Champions League or UEFA Cup.

"Tymoschuk has his heart set on England as he enjoys the physical aspect of the English game."

The midfielder is most comfortable in the holding role, and Boro are understood to be lining him up as a fall-back option should their pursuit of Italian Stephen Appiah end in failure.

Appiah is expected to feature in the final game of the Serie A season for Juventus this weekend before meeting with Boro officials to discuss his future next week. The 24-year-old Ghanaian has gradually forced his way into the first-team picture at the Stadio Della Alpi this season but Juventus are willing to listen to offers.