Adani attracts Boro interest

MIDDLESBROUGH could look to follow up their swoop for Massimo Maccarone with a bid for Fiorentina defender Daniele Adani.

Steve McClaren may be on coaching duty with England in the Far East, but the Boro boss is already busy making plans to strengthen his squad, and is in regular contact with officials on Teesside.

Maccarone may prefer a big-money move within Italy, but Empoli have accepted the Premiership club's bid, and a deal is close to completion.

"One thing is sure, with equal conditions between Italy and England, I will choose Italy," said the fleet-footed striker.

"My desire is to remain here."

Yet Boro are confident of completing a move which will certainly please McClaren, as Maccarone is one of the brightest young forwards in Europe.

As for Adani, Italian sources claim Parma have been determined to sign the former Lazio and Brescia stopper.

However, La Viola are growing impatient with gialloblu, who are waiting to sell Fabio Cannavaro before splashing out on a replacement.

Fiorentina have been placed in administration and, following their relegation to Serie B, they are a club deep in crisis.

Boro may try and take advantage of the situation with an attractive cash offer for the 27-year-old.

McClaren does have a formidable defensive axis at The Riverside - Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu are quality performers - and a new centre back would not seem to be a priority.

Yet the opportunity to snap up a player of Adani's quality for a bargain fee may not be passed up by the North East outfit.