Mendieta's class can spark Boro's Euro bid

Spanish star Mendieta is in talks with Boro in a bid to finalise details of his one-year loan after the Teessiders agreed a deal with Lazio.

The 29-year-old midfielder underwent a medical yesterday and trained at Boro's Hurworth headquarters before heading into negotiations over personal terms.

Boro hope to seal an agreement today and Boateng, who welcomes fresh competition in midfield, believes former £30m man Mendieta will inject more quality into Steve McClaren's side.

"It shows the ambition of the club,'' said Boateng, who joined Boro last summer in a £5m move from Aston Villa.

"We know we have a good squad but we need that extra touch of class to bring us a UEFA Cup place or even better than that.

"He's a well-respected player in Europe in terms of his ability and personality. It would be nice if he joined us because he's a very talented player.

"I have not played against him before - and I hope I will not be playing against him!

"The prospect of playing behind the likes of Mendieta and Juninho is very exciting. I had the same situation at Aston Villa with Paul Merson, which I enjoyed.

"He was player of the year there twice, but he gave me some credit for passing to him so he had lots of time and space.

"I would be delighted if it was the same with Juninho and Mendieta.

"To attract a player like Mendieta is good for the club. For him it's nice to know the team here is a good footballing side.

"We have Juninho and Doriva, Brazilian internationals, myself, a Dutch international, Gareth Southgate, an England international, Stuart Parnaby who plays for England Under-21s, and Michael Ricketts who has played for England and, if he is fit, could do a great job for club and country.

"It shows Mendieta that the players who are already here are top-class internationals.

"If he signs, it will increase the competition for places in midfield, but that's what we want here.''

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