Milan in shock Boateng link - 22 Mar 2006
Milan are reported to be considering making a move for Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng.
The Dutch star is currently free to talk to any interested parties, as he is out of contract at The Riverside Stadium this summer.
Boateng is an essential member of Steve McClaren's side and the Boro boss is more than keen to hang-on to him.
The 30-year-old has been offered a big pay-rise by the Teessiders, but a deal has yet to be struck.
Boateng has already rebuffed overtures from former club Feyenoord, and a move within the Premiership looked the most likely option should he depart Boro.
However, Milan could now offer him a fresh option - but the chances of claiming a regular first-team berth at The Giuseppe Meazza appear slim.
Milan are looking for midfield reinforcements and Schalke's Christian Poulsen - a previous target for Boro - is known to appeal to the Italians, but Boateng could become a viable option.
Boro team-mate Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink had a similar quandary before he moved to Teesside, but he shunned the Rossoneri because he did not want to spend large periods on the substitutes bench.
The news of Milan's interest is likely to prompt Boro into further talks and many of the club's faithful will hope he is tied down soon - and will look to avoid a repeat of last summer when Boateng's compatriot Boudewijn Zenden joined Liverpool on a Bosman transfer.
Meanwhile, Milan are also said to be keeping tabs on Michel Salgado's situation at Real Madrid.
The Spanish international has four-years left on his current deal at Real, but he is failing to win a regular first-team berth and Milan could try and tempt him away.
Milan are reported to be considering making a move for Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng.
The Dutch star is currently free to talk to any interested parties, as he is out of contract at The Riverside Stadium this summer.
Boateng is an essential member of Steve McClaren's side and the Boro boss is more than keen to hang-on to him.
The 30-year-old has been offered a big pay-rise by the Teessiders, but a deal has yet to be struck.
Boateng has already rebuffed overtures from former club Feyenoord, and a move within the Premiership looked the most likely option should he depart Boro.
However, Milan could now offer him a fresh option - but the chances of claiming a regular first-team berth at The Giuseppe Meazza appear slim.
Milan are looking for midfield reinforcements and Schalke's Christian Poulsen - a previous target for Boro - is known to appeal to the Italians, but Boateng could become a viable option.
Boro team-mate Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink had a similar quandary before he moved to Teesside, but he shunned the Rossoneri because he did not want to spend large periods on the substitutes bench.
The news of Milan's interest is likely to prompt Boro into further talks and many of the club's faithful will hope he is tied down soon - and will look to avoid a repeat of last summer when Boateng's compatriot Boudewijn Zenden joined Liverpool on a Bosman transfer.
Meanwhile, Milan are also said to be keeping tabs on Michel Salgado's situation at Real Madrid.
The Spanish international has four-years left on his current deal at Real, but he is failing to win a regular first-team berth and Milan could try and tempt him away.
