Reiziger nears Teesside transfer
Monday, 5 July 2004 13:16Holland right-back Michael Reiziger arrived in Middlesbrough today for a medical that should finalise his switch from Barcelona.
Boro, who will play in the UEFA Cup qualifiers, are set to land the 31-year-old ahead of Spanish champions Valencia as the 69-cap defender wanted to try his luck in the Premiership.
If the deal goes through as expected, Reiziger, who played in four of Holland's matches as they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004, will team up with Steve McClaren's ambitious outfit later in the week, joining fellow new recruit Mark Viduka.
The Australian completed his own medical on Friday ahead of his £4 million transfer but, as yet, the Leeds striker has not tied up the loose ends of his departure from Elland Road. Confirmation of the deal is not expected until Tuesday at the earliest.
However, Boro officials are confident there is no problem that could derail the transfer and Viduka will be available for a pre-season campaign that includes trips to Rotherham, Preston, Nottingham Forest and Bundesliga outfit Hansa Rostock.
Meanwhile, Michael Ricketts has been granted permission to train with Leeds ahead of the one-cap England striker's impending move to Yorkshire.
Filed by James Boylan
