Middlesbrough have an interest in Kluivert
Friday, 28 May 2004 11:07Middlesbrough will pull out all the stops in an ambitious attempt to land Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert. The Teesiders were in Spain last week to make their interest in the 27-year-old known and have insisted that, despite his massive wage packet, they will try to push a deal through.
Manager Steve McClaren will have to remain patient because the player is now away on international duty with Holland. There is sure to be interest from other clubs with neighbours Newcastle having followed his situation closely in recent times.
However, Boro are determined to land a top-class striker and Kluivert certainly fits the bill. Chief Executive Keith Lamb said: "I don't think our interest in Patrick Kluivert is a secret now. Steve McClaren and Steve Gibson have made it well known that we are in the hunt for quality strikers and Kluivert falls into that bracket. He is the sort of player that would excite the fans and fill the stadium for what is an important season for the club."
Kluivert has been placed at the top of a list of strikers being targeted by McClaren as he attempts to increase firepower at the Riverside Stadium, with Mark Viduka also in his sights after Alan Smith and Emile Heskey moved elsewhere.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
