latin_fan
08-27-2000, 05:58 AM
MIDDLESBROUGH, England (AP) -- Real Madrid has accepted an offer from Middlesbrough for disgruntled Steve McManaman and it is now up to the wingback to accept the transfer, officials from the English club revealed on Saturday.
The offer -- believed to be about 8 million pounds (US$12 million) -- was accepted by the Spanish soccer giant five weeks ago, Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb wrote in the match program for Saturday's clash with Leeds.
"Steve is still under contract and is undecided about his future," Lamb wrote. "We respect that. The next move is down to Steve and he must decide what is right."
McManaman, who voiced frustration when Real left him at home for last night's Super Cup defeat to Galatasaray in Monaco, appears to have few other options to leave the Spanish powerhouse after Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli ruled out a deal for him Friday.
McManaman has said he is determined to win back his starting spot with Real. But he doesn't appear to figure greatly in the club's plans after its world-record purchase of Luis Figo, who plays the same position.
Middlesbrough, one of four teams atop the English Premier League after a week's play, is keen to bolster its roster and appears undeterred by McManaman's massive salary.
If McManaman approves the deal, he would join an up-and-coming northeast club with Croatian striker Alain Boksic, French star Christian Karembeu, Colombian forward Hamilton Ricard.
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Real Madrid are the greatest team in football history!
The offer -- believed to be about 8 million pounds (US$12 million) -- was accepted by the Spanish soccer giant five weeks ago, Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb wrote in the match program for Saturday's clash with Leeds.
"Steve is still under contract and is undecided about his future," Lamb wrote. "We respect that. The next move is down to Steve and he must decide what is right."
McManaman, who voiced frustration when Real left him at home for last night's Super Cup defeat to Galatasaray in Monaco, appears to have few other options to leave the Spanish powerhouse after Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli ruled out a deal for him Friday.
McManaman has said he is determined to win back his starting spot with Real. But he doesn't appear to figure greatly in the club's plans after its world-record purchase of Luis Figo, who plays the same position.
Middlesbrough, one of four teams atop the English Premier League after a week's play, is keen to bolster its roster and appears undeterred by McManaman's massive salary.
If McManaman approves the deal, he would join an up-and-coming northeast club with Croatian striker Alain Boksic, French star Christian Karembeu, Colombian forward Hamilton Ricard.
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Real Madrid are the greatest team in football history!