Boro closer to Pogatetz deal

Middlesbrough are close to completing a deal to bring Bayer Leverkusen full-back Emanuel Pogatetz to the Riverside Stadium.

It is understood the clubs have agreed a fee of £2million for the 22-year-old, although a medical would need to be passed if personal terms are agreed. The deal could be finalised within days.

Pogatetz spent much of last season on loan at Graz AK in Austria and is currently at Spartak Moscow in Russia.

Manager Steve McClaren is keen to recruit him as cover for French full-back Franck Queudrue as he attempts to add strength in depth to his squad for a second successive season of UEFA Cup football.

McClaren spent much of the last campaign attempting to plug gaps left by a series of injuries, and was indebted to the likes of veteran Colin Cooper and youngsters Tony McMahon, James Morrison and Danny Graham.

Pogatetz would become the club's second signing of the summer, with Nigerian striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu due to complete his £7.5million switch from Portsmouth on July 1.