Boro deny Saudi talks
20 Nov 2007 - 15:39:28
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has rubbished reports suggesting the club has been in talks with Saudi Arabian striker Yasser Al-Qahtani.
The player was reported to have said he was considering an offer from Boro, but Southgate says no such bid has been made.
The 25-year-old is the captain of the Saudi Arabia national team and moved from Al-Qadisiya to Al-Hilal in 2005.
He played in last year's World Cup finals in Germany, scoring against Tunisia, and captained his country at this year's Asian Cup.
Meanwhile, goalkeeping coach Paul Barron has completed his move from the Riverside Stadium to Newcastle United.
Former player Stephen Pears will now work with the first team after a successful stint with the Academy and Reserves.