Mak could hold key to Boro Didier bid

Jun 22 2008 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

PARIS ST GERMAIN have paved the way for Didier Digard’s move to Middlesbrough after launching a bid for Claude Makelele.

Digard tops Boro’s summer shopping list but a deal for the 21-year-old midfielder appeared to have stalled when Boro’s £3.7 million offer fell short of PSG’s £4.5m asking price.

However, new PSG chairman Charles Villeneuve is understood to have held talks with Makelele, while reports in France last week claimed the clubs have agreed a fee for Digard.

At 35 and recently retired from international football, Makelele is expected to be surplus to requirements under incoming Chelsea boss Luis Felipe Scolari, but PSG see him as the experienced figure the club needs after two disappointing seasons.

His arrival at the Parc des Princes would clear the way for Digard’s switch to Boro, which in turn could spell the end of George Boateng on Teesside.

The Dutchman is still a target for Tottenham, Sunderland and Celtic, while Steve McClaren is understood to be keen to take him to FC Twente.

Boateng has himself described the chances of him staying at Boro as only “50/50”.

Meanwhile, Boro striker Mido has revealed he can’t wait to form a partnership with ANY of his fellow forwards in the coming season.

“I am looking forward to playing with Afonso (Alves) but there are many other great players in the Boro team too,” said the Egyptian, who has been on a strict weight-loss fitness regime.

“Jeremie (Aliadiere) contributes so much to the side and is a really big player for us, as is Tuncay Sanli who I believe is going to have a great season.”