Boro set for talks with 'the Black Cantona'

Steve McClaren and Boro officials have already spoken to his agent and club and hope to bring the 18-year-old to Teesside later this week for personal talks and a medical.

Boateng is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world and has already been nicknamed "the Black Cantona".

He should qualify for a work permit since he has been a regular international over the past year and recently helped Ghana reach the quarter final stage in the African Nations Cup.

Boro did admit today that they had made tentative enquiries for Leicester's Muzzy Izzet, as reported here last week, although suggestions that the Foxes had agreed a fee with Boro would seem a little premature.