Boro defer Geremi decision

MIDDLESBROUGH are set to defer their option to buy Geremi until the summer, manager Steve McClaren has revealed.

The Cameroonian international has made a massive impact this season after arriving at The Riverside on a season-long loan deal from European champions Real Madrid.

Boro already have first option on the player and a fee was agreed with Real prior to his original transfer to the North East.

The Teessiders could have attempted to push through a deal in January, but it seems that Steve McClaren has more pressing problems than to secure Geremi's signature at the moment.

"We have an option at a set price but we will leave that until later," said McClaren.

"I am not saying what private talks have gone on."

McClaren knows that Geremi's performances have attracted the attention of a number of clubs, which may make it difficult to persuade the African to make his move permanent.

Boro know that they have first option on Geremi in June and are waiting until then to try and push through a deal, as they will probably use what transfer funds they have at the moment to bolster other aspects of their squad.

McClaren has concerns over his forward line and has been strongly linked with moves for Celtic's John Hartson and for Malcolm Christie of Derby.

A signing of a striker or an attacking midfielder for Boro looks the most likely outcome when the transfer window opens in January.