GEORGE Boateng is convinced that the capture of Gaizka Mendieta can add the "extra touch of class'' needed to confirm Middlesbrough as contenders for a place in Europe.

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.''

* Boro Reserves returned home with all three points with an easy 3-1 victory at Solihull last night, writes NEIL ANDREWS.

New goalkeeper Carlo Nash made his debut and Boro took the lead on 21 minutes when a left wing corner was met by Andrew Davies whose header hit the bar. However, the referee pointed to the spot - Birmingham's Aliou Cisse was adjudged to have impeded a Boro player.

Mark Wilson took the spot kick sending Ian Bennett the wrong way.

It was two on 39 minutes when Jamie Cade took the ball into the box and held off the challenge of the Brum defence after picking his spot past Bennett,

A good move brought Birmingham a goal two minutes before the break, Bryan Hughes scoring from close range via a deflection off Davies.

Boro dominated the second period with Cade and Dove looking most impressive.

Stewart Downing wrapped things up on 79 minutes with an excellent 20-yard free kick which left the keeper with no chance.

Boro: Nash, Close, Taylor (Masters 85), Gulliver, Davies, Smith, Johnston, Wilson, Cade (Graham 85), Dove (Nordgren 85), Downing. Subs (not used): McMahon, Roberts. Close and Smith booked.