Middlesbrough push home their interest in Didier Digard
Middlesbrough are now working hard to make a home of their interest in the french midfielder Didier Digard.
There was no public comment on the club's pursuit of their 21 years, the Paris St Germain player.
However, £ 4million-rated Digard has been on Teesside for a medical and to begin talks and Boro are optimistic significant progress could be made within the next few days.
They have their approach, knowing that several other clubs are also monitoring the former Le Havre player of the situation, with Newcastle and Portsmouth have also been linked with him.
But Boro hope of beginning their approach gave them an edge as manager Gareth Southgate attempts to strengthen his midfield options.
Southgate's main priority this summer is to add to strengthen in that department after Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta to leave the Riverside Stadium.
In addition, his is awaiting a decision by former teammate George Boateng on his future.
The 32-year-old Dutchman has another year of his contract to run, but was disappointed to find itself not an automatic choice last season.
He openly admitted that May to consider leaving the club, although Southgate said midfielder has a role to play in his plans.
The manager said: "It is part of our team here and a very strong party.
"I can not guarantee any player a first team place. We try to create a club where people are pushing for places.
It May have seen it had fallen to the hierarchy and found that difficult, but I think he realizes what I'm doing with the team and the number of games he played speaks volumes ".
Southgate is too hope to retain the services of Gary O'Neil, who initially struggled to settle after his £ 5million move from Portsmouth last summer, sparking rumors he wants to leave.
The former England defender said: "He told me he feels more settled and at this point, I must go hand in hand with that and hope that the situation resolves itself during the summer.
"Gary is a contract to us and he is someone that we do not want to lose."
Indeed, Southgate is now concentrating on recruiting compensation after the bridge of his summer spending plans.
It May have been unwilling to lose goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - 35 years, has joined Fulham after his contract expired Boro - but is convinced that, in Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones, it has adequate coverage.
In addition to Australia, Rochemback and Mendieta, he also saw Lee Dong-Good Kennedy and Jason head out of the exit door, and has not immediate plans to reduce the number of new ones.
Southgate said the club's official website: "There were a couple of actors who have been frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities last year, but I think they will all want to return to pre - season and see what is the situation.
"It is obvious that if we bring players that will have an impact on their opportunities, but we must try to move the team and continue to grow. Some of the young players to come back stronger from the break.
"The only interest we have had is to take a couple of players on loan, but I am not prepared to take these decisions because everything still one of my players could be the first team.
"If the players stay or go is ultimately our decision, and we have to do good for the club."
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