Cup Final tickets were yesterday changing hands for hundreds of pounds each as desperate Boro fans made a last-ditch bid to see their heroes in action.

It is thought as many as 5,000 ticketless fans could be heading for Eindhoven and may fall prey to touts cashing in on demand for tickets for tonight's match.

Supporters who buy black- market tickets could end up in the "neutral zone" at the PSV Stadion ground - an area allocated for general sale ticket holders only, where there is no segregation of rival fans.

Yesterday, Boro fans' websites were awash with pleas for tickets, which are like gold dust, with arrangements being made to buy and sell them.

One fan, who described himself as a south stand season ticket holder, said he was willing to pay up to £600 for a pair, for himself and his son.

He said: "I know I am at the back of a very long queue, but I'm desperate for a ticket for my son, who is 14, and beside himself with misery at the thought of missing the final."

"Mark from Sedgefield" said he would pay £150 for a single ticket.

Meanwhile, a fan calling himself Paul said one of his mates has pulled out of the final at the last minute and he needed to get rid of his ticket.

He asked Boro supporters to e-mail him with offers. The highest bidder by yesterday evening was £300.

One seller wanted 350 euros each for his tickets, but another fan e-mailed, warning: "Don't pay this type of money - tickets are going for half that price in Eindhoven."

Boro were allocated only 9,200 tickets and these were quickly snapped up when they went on sale to season ticket holders.

Those who were left disappointed have been told by both Middlesbrough FC and Cleveland Police not to travel to Holland and instead watch the match at home.

But many fans are choosing to ignore the advice and have already booked flights, hoping to source tickets in Holland or through Dutch websites.

Superintendent Steve Swales, Middlesbrough's district commander, who is in Holland, played down estimates of the number of fans who will travel without tickets. He also said there were absolutely no official tickets left on sale in Eindhoven.

Supt Swales said: "We are aware that people have been trading tickets over the Internet and they are changing hands at exorbitant prices, although the majority are official Uefa tickets.

"We would say buyer beware - last time we came to Holland to play AZ Alkmaar there was an active market in forged tickets circulating in Amsterdam."

l A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police, when asked about their role in security arrangements for the final said: "We are providing intelligence and help to the Dutch police who are primarily responsible for policing the event.

"We expect the Dutch authorities to deal robustly with any trouble if it occurs.