MIDDLESBROUGH will have to wait until Holland's quest for Euro 2004 glory is over before finalising a deal with defender Michael Reiziger.

Reiziger has been a big part of the Dutch side's progress into the semi-finals in Portugal and early talks over a move to Teesside have been positive.

The 31-year-old has been told he can leave Barcelona on a free transfer and he has already turned down the opportunity to play for Spanish champions Valencia next season.

Now Boro boss Steve McClaren is on the verge of completing a remarkable coup by sealing the capture of a player who has previously played for AC Milan and Ajax.

But McClaren - back on North-East soil after England's exit, when he was right hand man to Sven-Goran Eriksson- knows he will have to be patient.

Reiziger wants to play in the Premiership and is keen on moving to Boro after hearing nothing but good words from fellow countryman Bolo Zenden.

But the defender, due to face Portugal on Wednesday in the semi-finals of Euro 2004, insists no deal will be concluded until after Holland's competition is over.

"I am negotiating with Middlesbrough, the negotiations are going well but at the moment I am in Portugal focusing solely on the national team," said Reiziger.

"I am happy to be playing and I'm giving everything to help the team. We will see what happens with respect to my future after the tournament ends."

It will be then when Boro step up their bid to sign Zenden on a permanent basis. The winger, who spent last season on loan at the Riverside, looks like being sold on by new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Boro are ready to step in.

But Zenden, also wanted by Turkish side Fenerbahce, is in no rush to decide on his future. He said: "I've had a very good time at Middlesbrough. I have one year left on my contract with Chelsea and, in theory, I should go back to Chelsea this summer. I have several options but I have to wait to see what happens."

* Steve Caldwell has become Sunderland's fifth signing of the summer.

The Scottish centre-back is out of contract at North-East rivals Newcastle and, as expected for months, he has completed a move to Wearside. Caldwell has signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light and he joins Carl Robinson, Stephen Elliott, Liam Lawrence and Dean Whitehead among the summer arrivals.

Manager Mick McCarthy tried to capture the 23-year-old in January but Newcastle were only prepared to allow the player to join Leeds on loan - as part of the deal that saw Michael Bridges head to St James' Park. But now McCarthy has got his man and Caldwell said: "I'm delighted the move has finally gone through. I was very impressed when I met the boss and he is putting a good young team together. My focus is on getting Sunderland back into the Premiership. This is a big club and we want to get it where it belongs."

Midfielder Jason McAteer has joined Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leicester City.

McAteer, who was released by McCarthy to reduce the club's wage bill, had wanted to stay at Sunderland next season.

But the former Liverpool, Blackburn and Bolton midfielder's wish was not granted and he has now joined the Foxes.

Leicester boss Micky Adams said: "Jason is a player who has operated at the top level and brings a wealth of experience to the club. He's an excellent player and we had to beat off a number of clubs for his signature."

Long-term Newcastle target Thomas Gravesen is being tracked by Atletico Madrid.

The Danish international, on duty with his country at Euro 2004, has been tracked by Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson for a number of years and failed in a bid for the player in January last year.

Earlier this month Gravesen's agent, John Sivebaek, suggested the Everton midfielder could leave Goodison Park this summer - alerting a number of clubs including Newcastle. Now it seems Atletico are preparing to lodge an official bid for the tough-tackling middle-man.

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