CARLOS MARINELLI'S future was in doubt last night after it emerged that Torino are unlikely to try to sign the Middlesbrough playmaker on a permanent basis.

The Serie A side, who have financial problems, have not been sufficiently impressed by Marinelli during his loan spell to want to keep him beyond this season.

Marinelli, who turns 21 tomorrow, has said he wants to stay with Torino after falling out of favour under Steve McClaren.

But having made just seven Premiership appearances this season, his hopes of making a fresh start in Italy are expected to founder once his loan expires.

Marinelli would probably cost no more than around £2m, but Torino have indicated they are unwilling to meet Middlesbrough's asking price.

He was branded "the new Diego Maradona" when, as a 17-year-old, he moved to the Riverside from Boca Juniors for £1.5m in 1999.

But Marinelli has only shown glimpses of his talent, and the arrival of Juninho and return to form of Joseph-Desire Job effectively ended his Boro career.

While Marinelli may not be moving to Italy, Middlesbrough are among a posse of clubs tracking Milan defender Martin Laursen.

The Denmark international is also interesting Premiership rivals Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, plus Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Juninho could miss Saturday's Premiership trip to Leeds United after sustaining an ankle injury in last week's win over Newcastle United.

* The Riverside plays host to the first leg of Boro's FA Youth Cup semi-final with Manchester City on Wednesday March 26.

Admission to the semi-final first leg is just £3 for adults and £2 for under-16s and over-65s. Turnstiles in the East Stand will initially be opened. The game kicks off at 7pm.

* Leeds star Harry Kewell is due to begin negotiations next week on a long-term deal with the Elland Road club.

Kewell has yet to be offered a new contract according to agent Bernie Mandic, despite suggestions a £50,000-per-week pay packet over the next five seasons has been on the table since the turn of the year.

Kewell, however, has apparently indicated in a preliminary discussion with chairman Peter Ridsdale earlier this season his desire to remain with the Premiership strugglers.

The 24-year-old is out of contract in 15 months time and there are rumours a number of clubs will be looking to lure Kewell away from Leeds during the summer.