MIDDLESBROUGH have gained the upperhand in their attempts to prise Ray Parlour away from Premiership champions Arsenal.

It had been thought that the 31-year-old midfielder had decided against a move to the Riverside as he is due a testimonial game at Highbury.

Parlour, who made his debut for the Gunners 12 years ago, is expected to be rewarded with a star-studded moneyspinning game at the end of next season but if he leaves those plans will be shelved.

However, the former England international faces the prospect of spending the majority of the campaign on the bench if he decides to stay at Arsenal.

Parlour was only a bit part player in Arsene Wenger's team last season and is likely to remain so if he decides to see out the remaining year on his contract.

He has been seeking an extension but none has been forthcoming and now Boro's bid for the player is proving appealing.

Wenger claims the Teessiders have offered Parlour a 'two or three year contract' and he would arrive as one of Steve McClaren's main players ahead of their Premiership push.

And the fact Parlour knows he will play a big part for Boro at home and in Europe could sway him towards turning his back on the club he has been with since his schoolboy years.

Boro have stepped up their interest in the right-midfielder after being thwarted in their attempts to sign Chelsea's Geremi.

McClaren wants the Cameroon man to return to the Riverside for a second spell but Geremi, due to fly out with the Blues to the United States tomorrow, is not so keen.

Instead he wants to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge and he started by playing in the draw at Oxford United on Saturday.

McClaren has already added Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Reiziger and Mark Viduka to his playing staff and all three are expected to play their part at Rotherham United tomorrow night.

The Boro boss is still working hard to try to ensure Bolo Zenden returns to the North-East, although he is keeping his options open as he tries to broker a better deal.

McClaren has also taken a step nearer to tying down skipper Gareth Southgate.

Southgate has one year left on his current deal and is ready to commit his future to the club following the summer arrivals.

"I think we're pretty close. I'm fairly certain that' we're virtually sorted," he said.

* Blackpool have taken young Boro goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on trial.

Turnbull, who played for Darlington last season, is looking to secure a loan deal with the Seasiders.

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