MIDDLESBROUGH have switched their attentions to Arsenal midfielder Edu after being unable to snap Real Madrid star Geremi up on a permanent basis.

Boro boss Steve McClaren is seeking two top quality midfielders before the start of next season and the club have already enquired about Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foe.

And now Northern Echo SPORT understands that Arsenal have already been approached over Edu's availability and the Brazilian held preliminary talks with the Teessiders yesterday.

The former Corinthians star was overlooked for his country's Confederations Cup campaign, but he enjoyed a good run in the Gunners side towards the end of the 2002-03 campaign, which ended with the Londoners finishing runners-up to Manchester United in the championship race.

But the 25-year-old has only made 22 Premiership starts since arriving for £6m in January 2001.

And now it is believed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to allow the player to leave in a cut-price deal to boost his own transfer kitty as he looks to strengthen ahead the new season.

Boro have swooped early in the hope of capturing the £3-rated middle-man but they could face competition from French side Paris St Germain.

PSG, who look like receiving at least £10m from the sale of Samba star Ronaldinho this summer, made their interest in the Arsenal star known earlier this year.

However, Edu is thought to be keen to keep playing his football in the English top-flight and he could be tempted to join up with fellow Brazilian Juninho at the Riverside.

On Monday Northern Echo SPORT revealed that Boro can sign Foe on a free transfer and both players fit the experienced mould McClaren is seeking.

Former West Ham man Foe has been a target of both Manchester United and Liverpool in the past, while Edu can easily adapt into any midfield position.

It is well known that McClaren has been considering moves for several midfielders already this summer - with Blackburn's David Dunn still high on his list - and now he seems to be getting somewhere.

The Boro boss has been left frustrated in recent months as Real Madrid have refused to budge over their demands of near £10m for Geremi.

Any deal for the Cameroon man looks to be over now unless the Spanish giants - now searching for a new coach after the sacking Vicente del Bosque - drop their asking price considerably.

Meanwhile, Boro have been linked with a renewed bid for Feynenoord's Australian Brett Emerton.

The highly-rated 24-year-old is desperate for a move to the Premiership and Newcastle United are still leading the chase.

But it is believed that McClaren has been asked to be kept informed over the player's situation.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.