Middlesbrough step up Boateng interest

Middlesbrough have stepped up their interest in Panathinaikos star Derek Owusu Boateng. A representative from the Teesside club watched the 18-year-old Ghanaian on Wednesday.

Boateng, who played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against AB Copenhagen in Athens, was reportedly the subject of a ?6 million offer earlier in the week.

The World Youth Cup star put on an impressive display but the man who scored the goals for PAO in the 2-2 was at the other end of the age scale.

Polish striker Krzysztof Warzycha, 38, issued a reminder of his quality with a brace as he and Boateng were the outstanding performers on the night.

When approached after the match by supporters, Boateng insisted he knew nothing about any potential move to the Premiership.