PATRICK KLUIVERT has dramatically opened the door for Middlesbrough to make a renewed bid for his services.
But the Dutchman's U-turn is not likely to tempt Boro into trying for a second time to lure the striker to the Riverside Stadium.
Only a few weeks ago Kluivert dismissed the Teesside outfit as a small club who he would be unwilling to join - revealing he would prefer to move to a London or Manchester club.
However, following a fruitless Euro 2004 with his country, the 28-year-old has had a rethink and he is willing to listen to offers from any interested parties.
Kluivert, available on a free transfer from Barcelona, has been circulated around all the top clubs in Europe, including former employers AC Milan.
But the forward has his sights set on spending a few years in England where he is aiming to get his career back on track after a turbulent time in Spain.
"I know I'm leaving Barcelona and my aim now is to find the perfect club, the club that fits with me," said Kluivert.
"That's the most important thing at the moment. I have always said I will play in England one day and I hope that can happen this year.
"It doesn't have to be a big club because I would rather go to a small club who can help them become bigger.
"Somewhere with ambition and where I would be a big part of that."
With the arrival of Leeds' Mark Viduka set to be confirmed later today, Boro fans would certainly welcome a front-line partnership of Viduka and Kluivert.
Manager Steve McClaren remains on the look-out for a second new forward, but his main target appears to be Portsmouth's Ayegbeni Yakubu.
And, with Pompey stepping up their attempts to buy Preston's Ricardo Fuller and Newcastle's Lomana LuaLua, Boro's hopes of capturing the Nigerian have increased - although he is still rated in the £6m bracket.
Meanwhile, Viduka's arrival will be followed by Dutch defender Michael Reiziger.
The 31-year-old, a teammate of Kluivert at Barcelona, is understood to be due at the club's Rockliffe Park training base for a medical tomorrow.
And, after talking the switch to the North-East over with fellow country-man Bolo Zenden, Reiziger is ready to turn down Spanish champions Valencia and join McClaren's men.
Reiziger said: "I am very hopeful of signing a definitive agreement in the next few days. I want to play in the Premiership, it seems like a fantastic competition and Middlesbrough are an ambitious club.
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