Sociedad lead Mendieta chase
30 Jan 2007 - 14:00:20
Real Sociedad have emerged as the favourites to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.
The 32-year-old Spaniard has dropped out of the first-team picture at the Riverside Stadium and is being widely tipped to return to his homeland before the transfer window closes at midnight on Wednesday.
"There are a couple of possibilities for Mendi - I believe real Sociedad are a possibility," confirmed Boro boss Gareth Southgate.
Mendieta has scored six goals in 83 appearances for Boro since moving to Teesside, initially on loan, from Lazio in August 2003.
The Rome giants paid £28.9million for Mendieta's services in July 2001 after he impressed during a nine-year spell with Valencia.