Geremi'S English advisors last night reacted with scepticism to claims that Manchester United are ready to sign the Middlesbrough target.

Reports yesterday suggested that United, having agreed the £25m sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid, would meet the Spanish giants' £9m asking price to install Geremi as the England captain's replacement at Old Trafford.

Cameroon international Geremi was a major success during his season's loan spell with Boro last term, scoring seven goals.

But Boro have baulked at Real's valuation after Bernabeu chiefs rejected the Teessiders' £3m offer.

Geremi, 24, told Boro he was keen to return on a permanent basis, but has since been quoted as saying: "After Real, United are the team I would choose above all others.''

Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan wanted the right-sided midfielder on loan next season, but his handlers insist that is a non-starter. Liverpool have also kept in touch with developments.

One of Geremi's English agents told Northern Echo SPORT: "I don't think it's right about Manchester United.

"If they wanted him, I think he would have been part of the Beckham deal.

"As regards Middlesbrough, things seem to have gone cold. Manchester City wanted Geremi on loan, but there's no chance of that.''

Manchester United's top target is Brazilian attacker Ronaldinho, who was yesterday understood to be heading for talks with Paris St Germain about his future.

Meanwhile, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd was also due to speak to Ronaldinho's agent and brother, Roberto Assis, in an attempt to hijack Manchester United's projected £12m deal.

Ronaldinho added to the intrigue this week when he revealed his dream of playing for Real, despite the arrival of Beckham.

And there were reports yesterday that Barcelona are also tracking the World Cup winner.

l Former Middlesbrough skipper Alan Kernaghan is understood to be interested in the vacant manager's job at Hartlepool.

l Boro's Danny Reed and David Wheater are joined by Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick in the England Under-17 squad for a tournament with Brazil, Portugal and the USA at Notts County's Meadow Lane on July 7-13.

* The Football Association yesterday confirmed that Ipswich's Portman Road ground is to become the 13th different stadium to host an England match since the national side have been on the road, writes MARTYN ZIEGLER.

The international friendly against Croatia on August 20 will be the first senior international to be held at Ipswich's ground, which has a 30,250-seat capacity.

FA's marketing and communications director Paul Barber said: ''Portman Road, which is a superb stadium and an ideal venue for this game.

''This will be the 13th different stadium used since we started taking our senior matches around the country."

Ipswich have staged four Under-21 games in the past and Barber added: ''Past international matches at Ipswich have shown the passion of the local fans and the club fully deserves to host a full senior international. It will be the first international of the new season and I'm sure we can look forward to a tremendous atmosphere.