Boro call off Geremi chase

Middlesbrough have pulled the plug on their attempts to lure Chelsea star Geremi back to The Riverside.

Boro boss Steve McClaren has made no secret of the fact that he wants to strengthen his midfield during the transfer window having lost both Gaizka Mendieta and George Boateng to long-term injuries.

Geremi enjoyed a productive season-long loan at Boro in the 2002-03 campaign, and McClaren was keen to take the Cameroon international back to Teesside.

Geremi has been a peripheral figure at Chelsea this term and has made only four starts under Jose Mourinho.

Boro were hoping they could persuade The Blues to offload the powerful African, but McClaren has now confirmed that the West Londoners have snubbed his overtures.

"We did make an attempt to bring Geremi back here," the Boro boss told Radio Cleveland.

"We approached Chelsea in December, again at the start of January and again last week.

"But it's not to be. Chelsea are not letting any of their players go so we have to move on."

McClaren is determined to bring in at least two new players during the transfer window, but concedes the task is proving very testing.

"We're still looking for cover at left back and in midfield," he continued.

"We would like two or possibly three new faces, but they need to be of the right quality and there are no guarantees they will be available."