Middlesbrough close in on Appiah

Middlesbrough are close to sealing a deal for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah. The Juventus midfielder has been chased by a host of Premiership clubs, but groundwork laid by Boro boss Steve McClaren and chairman Steve Gibson towards the end of last season has the Teessiders comfortable favourites for his signature.

Juve are ready to sell and Gibson is happy with the ?3 million fee discussed. The deal is expected to be closed once Appiah returns to Europe from World Cup qualifying duty with Ghana.