MIDDLESBROUGH were remaining tight-lipped last night over reports that they have had a £6m bid for Leicester City midfielder Muzzy Izzet accepted.

According to Izzet's agent, Jonathan Barnett, the player is expected to fly in for talks with Boro after returning from international duty with Turkey tomorrow.

But Boro spokesman Dave Allan said last night: "Muzzy Izzet is one of a number of players we are interested in and we have made inquiries about. There's nothing further to add at the moment."

Barnett, meanwhile, has indicated that he expects the player to be involved in negotiations with the Riverside club before Saturday's FA Cup match with Blackburn Rovers.

"The bid from Middlesbrough has been accepted, but Muzzy is out of the country at the moment," said Barnett.

"He will return later in the week, when we will hold talks with Middlesbrough."

Izzet has been on the transfer-list at Filbert Street since October after having his request granted by his club. And it is thought that Boro are the first club to have a bid for the 27-year-old accepted.

Boro boss Steve McClaren, who is currently with the England squad ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Holland, had initially targeted a striker.

But following the arrival of Bradford City striker Benito Carbone until the end of the season, he has now focused his attentions on bringing in a forward-thinking midfielder to keep the Riverside outfit in the Premiership.

Should safety be achieved, it is then expected that McClaren will delve back into the transfer market for players during the summer.

Izzet, who attracted interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa earlier this season, is known to prefer a move to a club further south.

And McClaren will be hoping to use the same persuasive powers that convinced England defender Gareth Southgate to join Boro in the summer for £6.5m.

The former Manchester United No 2 has also been linked with a multi-million pound swoop for Panathanaikos' Ghanaian teenage striker Dereck Owusu Boateng.

The 18-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from a number of leading European clubs and Boro would have to act quickly if they were to sign the forward.

Boateng's style of play has been compared to French legend Eric Cantona. There has also been strong suggestions that Bradford boss Nicky Law is tracking Boro striker Andy Campbell.

Following the departure of Carbone, in the opposite direction, it has been reported that Campbell could arrive at Valley Parade on loan until the end of the season.

But the 22-year-old's agent, Mark Curtis, insists there has been no contact between the two, he said: "There was talk of Andy leaving for Bradford on loan with Beni going to Middlesbrough. But I know Nicky Law and there has been no enquiry that I am aware of. "He has plenty of time left on his contract at Middlesbrough."

Meanwhile, Boro have slammed reports that Manchester United are preparing to take McClaren back to the club.

There had been suggestions that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is expected to put-pen-to-paper on a new three-year contract, wants to take McClaren back as his right-hand man.

However, with the England coach only eight months into his five-year contract, Boro have acted quickly to deny the reports.

A club spokesman said: "Steve is committed to fulfilling his contract with Middlesbrough."

Former Boro star Stuart Ripley will train with the Blades this week as Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock ponders a move for the Southampton winger.

The 34-year-old has not figured for the Saints since the end of October and has indicated a desire to move north as his playing career nears an end.

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