SLOVAKIA striker Szilard Nemeth is ready to land on Teesside next week to launch his Middlesbrough career.

The 23-year-old, who agreed to join Boro on a five-year deal in April, today sees his contract run out with Inter Bratislava.

Boro, who must pay a fee for Nemeth because he is a non-EU national, are confident that the £3m-rated frontman will receive his work permit from the Department for Education and Employment, even though he hasn't figured regularly at senior international level in the past two years.

Nemeth was signed by former Boro manager Bryan Robson on the recommendation of Terry Venables during his six-month stint as head coach last season.

But new boss Steve McClaren will be happy to have at least one new face in the ranks as he battles to make his first breakthrough in the transfer market.

McClaren's top target is Aston Villa's England defender Gareth Southgate, who is the subject of a £7m bid.

Meanwhile, Boro Player of the Year Alen Boksic has contacted McClaren to assure him he will be reporting back for the start of pre-season training a week on Monday.

Doubts had been raised about the Croatian returning to Boro following the departure of Robson, who signed him last summer from Lazio for £2.5m.

But the 31-year-old striker insists he is committed to the Riverside cause.

Read more about the Boro here.