MIDDLESBROUGH have been told they can snap up Marc-Vivien Foe on a free transfer.

Lyon midfielder Foe was watched by Boro's European scout Don Mackay in Cameroon's historic Confederations Cup victory over Brazil at the Stade de France last Thursday.

Northern Echo SPORT exclusively revealed on Saturday that Boro had enquired about Foe, who is being chased by a posse of Premiership clubs.

Manchester City, who had 28-year-old Foe on loan last season, are hoping to take him back on a permanent basis.

But Boro, seeking new midfield blood, are also interested in the former West Ham star, who was once tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.

Foe figured alongside fellow Boro target Geremi and Riverside striker Joseph-Desire Job in Cameroon's 1-0 triumph against Brazil - the first time an African nation has beaten South American opposition in the Confederations competition.

Willie McKay, Foe's Monaco-based agent, yesterday confirmed he has brokered a deal with French champions Lyon to guarantee the player's availability on a free, despite the fact that he has a year left on his contract.

McKay said: "Don Mackay was there on Thursday night to watch Foe against Brazil. He's on a free transfer now and four or five Premiership clubs are interested in him.''

Boro's move for Geremi, who impressed while on loan last season, has stalled after Real Madrid turned down the Teessiders' £3m offer and stuck to their £9m-plus asking price.

And the 24-year-old midfielder yesterday all but ended Boro's hopes of signing him permanently when he said: "It's clear-cut. I'm going back to Madrid. They are my club and I respect their wishes.

"It's out of my hands, but as things stand I will not be playing for Boro next season.''

Geremi scored the penalty that sealed Cameroon's last-gasp 1-0 win over Turkey and booked their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup - after Job had been brought down.

Boro are looking at several midfield targets and rivalling Birmingham for Blackburn midfielder David Dunn.

As revealed in Northern Echo SPORT three weeks ago, West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair is another on Boro manager Steve McClaren's wish-list.

Birmingham have also been credited with an interest in Newcastle's former Paris St. Germain left-back Didier Domi, who is out of favour at the Parc des Princes.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have entered the race for £4m-rated former Newcastle and Leeds target Kleberson.

The Premiership champions see the Atletico Paranaense midfielder as a potential Samba soulmate for PSG's Ronaldinho.

Old Trafford chiefs hope to beat off Barcelona and clinch a £12m deal for Brazilian Ronaldinho, who was also the subject of an approach from Newcastle.

At the same time, Cameroon's £2.5m-rated Nantes midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba claims he has agreed a move to Manchester United.

* Newcastle are again being linked with a move for Barcelona's Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert - after rejecting relegated West Ham's attempt to trade Freddie Kanoute for Carl Cort.

The Magpies, who paid Wimbledon £7m for the injury-plagued Cort three years ago, baulked at the Hammers' demand for a £4m cash adjustment to secure Kanoute.

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