Boro close-in on Hoyte

Middlesbrough are closing in on a deal to bring defender Justin Hoyte to the Riverside Stadium.

The Midlands club made an official offer for Hoyte yesterday and the press are reporting that Arsenal are considering the offer.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate said: "We're hoping he will travel up later today for talks and a medical and we are very hopeful that we will sign him up.

"I would think it is unlikely that it will be done by Saturday but we will make every effort.

"Of all our targets, Justin was top of the list so it's excellent to get the chance to open talks with him.

"He's got fantastic potential, he's already a very good player, an England Under-21 international, he's very well-schooled and he's got a lot of Premier League experience with both Arsenal and Sunderland.

"We had Jeremie [Aliádíère] come from Arsenal, and we know in terms of his lifestyle he is a good professional.

"We've done plenty of research with managers and coaches that have worked with [Hoyte] and everything came back very positive - so that gives you renewed vigour to go and sign him."

User Comments

jim

Posted on 15 Aug, 2008 at 11:40 AM - Reply

i want to keep him but i dont think he will overtake Sagna so if he goes gooog luck to him

sulazu

Posted on 15 Aug, 2008 at 11:40 AM - Reply

I sincerely thank Southgate for his favour and hope the deal will be wrapped up real quick. Justin certainly wouldn't cut it in Arsenal but may be Boro.

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea