Source: Northern_Echo
Boro are affected by delay
A FRUSTRATED Gareth Southgate last night admitted the delay in selling Tuncay Sanli and Afonso Alves was having an adverse effect on his sides attacking capabilities.[LNB] Southgate had hoped to table a formal bid for Derby striker Rob Hulse this week, but with neither Tuncay nor Alves having completed a move away from the Riverside, the Boro boss has been unable to enter the transfer market himself.[LNB] Tuncay has been the subject of interest from both Everton and Wolves in the last seven days, but with neither club having made an offer, Southgate is ready to hand the Turkey international, who has previously attracted the attention of Liverpool and Aston Villa, a surprise recall to the squad for tomorrows trip to Swansea.[LNB] Alves will not be involved at the Liberty Stadium, but the Brazilian remains a Middlesbrough player despite the club having agreed a deal with Qatari side Al-Ahli at the start of the week.[LNB] Alves is reluctant to move to the Middle East, and is holding out for a return to continental Europe despite Portuguese club Benfica having shelved their interest in his services.[LNB] Its frustrating because we have players that its very difficult to use, yet we cant replace them at the moment either,[LNB] said Southgate. Its an annoyance, but weve known that might be the case for a while now and I have to focus on the group that are fit, available and ready.[LNB] We have to make sure we get results in the next couple of weeks until were in a position to strengthen again.[LNB] Once we can strengthen again, I think it will give everyone a real lift.[LNB] Despite sitting out the whole of Boros pre-season programme, Tuncay confirmed his well-being with a well-taken goal in Turkeys 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday.[LNB] The versatile attacker was left out of last weekends goalless draw against Sheffield United following a bout of tonsilitis, but having recovered sufficiently to report for international duty, the 27- year-old is lined up for a return to domestic duty tomorrow.[LNB] Tuncay is definitely in contention, said Southgate.[LNB] Theres been interest in him, weve had calls from a couple of Premier League clubs this week, but there hasnt been a firm bid as yet.[LNB] I would be very surprised if that was still the case in a fortnight, but as things stand at the moment, hes available and were prepared to use him.[LNB] I dont foresee anything happening in the next couple of days, so I expect him to be in our squad for Swansea.[LNB] Alves situation is different, as the Brazilian, who was late reporting for the start of preseason training, will not be considered for duty between now and the end of the month.[LNB] He was granted permission to speak to Al-Ahli officials at the start of the week, but has effectively refused to move to Qatar while other options remain open to him.[LNB] Two other clubs have expressed an interest in Alves services, and Southgate is hoping at least one will table an acceptable offer before the end of the weekend.[LNB] We had agreed a fee for Afonso with a club in Qatar, but there are also another couple of clubs that are interested,[LNB] he said. We havent agreed fees with those clubs yet though, so at the moment Afonso is wanting to keep his options open.[LNB] I would expect something to happen in the next couple of days. We granted him permission to speak to one club, but it doesnt look as though that deal will happen now.[LNB] Theres certainly at least one other club that are close to agreeing a fee though.[LNB] Gary ONeil has also been the subject of intense transfer speculation this week, but Southgate insists there has been no contact from Everton regarding the former Portsmouth midfielder.[LNB] Having played through the pain barrier in Fridays goalless draw with Sheffield United, ONeil was due to undergo a hernia operation before the weekend.[LNB] But with Didier Digard ruled out for up to three weeks because of the groin injury he sustained against the Blades, the 26-year-old will put off surgery for at least a fortnight.[LNB] Theres been a lot of speculation about Gary but I dont really know where its come from, said Southgate. He seems to have been linked very strongly with Everton, but weve had no contact from Everton at all.[LNB] Garys attitude has been a big bonus to us. He should have had a hernia operation this week, but he feels that he can get through the next couple of games.[LNB] Thats the kind of attitude and mentality were going to need as we go through the season.[LNB] Boro turn cyan MIDDLESBROUGH unveiled their new cyan away strip yesterday, and the kit is available for supporters to pre-order from this morning.[LNB] Boros players will wear the new strip for the first time in this months Carling Cup second-round game at Nottingham Forest.[LNB] Pre-orders can be made from 9.30am this morning, either online at www.mfcofficialdirect.co.uk or in person at an official MFC retail store.[LNB] The strip will then be on sale exclusively to season card holders at both MFC retail stores from 9.30am on Tuesday, September 1, with a general sale from 9.30am on Thursday, September 3.[LNB] Online pre-orders from season card holders will be delivered on September 1 or 2. Other online pre-orders by other supporters will be delivered on or after September 3.[LNB]
