MIDDLESBROUGH had a triple blow on the transfer front as Bolo Zenden took a step closer sealing a return to the Riverside Stadium last night, writes Paul Fraser.

Zenden, with his agent and father Pierre, flew to Teesside yesterday to discuss terms with chief executive Keith Lamb about a permanent move away from Chelsea.

It now seems only a matter of time before the Holland international becomes Steve McClaren's fourth summer signing and he will join fellow country-men Michael Reizger, George Boateng and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink on Teesside.

But Zenden's arrival is not likely to be followed by Chelsea teammate Geremi - who has suddenly decided he wants to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge - Owen Hargreaves nor Ray Parlour.

The Blues' Cameroon midfielder had been expected to move to Boro for a second time on a season-long loan - like he did two years ago from Real Madrid.

Chelsea and Boro were close to agreeing a package and manager Jose Mourinho had accepted he would not have Geremi on board for the new campaign.

However, Geremi has now decided he is willing to bide his time at the Bridge and fight for a place in Mourinho's team.

"There was a lot of speculation about Geremi going to Middlesbrough and other clubs," said his agent Barry Silkman. "But he will be staying at Chelsea for the forseeable future and he hopes to play under Jose Mourinho."

Boro also face a wrangle with Bayern Munich if they are to step up their interest in Hargreaves, while Parlour now looks destined to stay with Arsenal.

Hargreaves first stated in May that he wants to play his football in the Premiership; with Tottenham and Liverpool also credited with an interest.

However, the 23-year-old is now resigned to staying in the Bundesliga after Bayern priced him out of his dream move.

The German giants want £6.7m for the midfielder and Boro are only realistically likely to get him if they pay somewhere in the region of £6m.

Hargreaves admitted: "I never intended to leave right away. £6.7m is a lot of money. They might as well have said I have to stay. If they wanted to get rid of me then they could have done so."

Boro are also set to miss out on Parlour after it emerged he is due a handsome pay-off from his overdue testimonial.

The former England midfielder joined the Gunners from school and he played first game at Liverpool in 1992. But he has still not had his testimonial match so the 31-year-old is likely to play one more season at Highbury.

Meanwhile, Boro have revealed their flurry of transfer activity has had a major impact on season ticket sales. Over 25,000 have already been sold and that figure could rise towards the 32,000 maximum.

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