Geremi close to Boro move

Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano claims that Cameroon international Geremi is closing in on a move to Middlesbrough.

The news comes in the wake of Real giving an ultimatum to seven of their players to find a team for next season or else they will not be registered to play.

Valdano needs to find a way out for seven Real Madrid players before the pre-season ends.

The European champions currently have 32 players in the squad and have to reduce that number to 25.

And whilst they have been unable to ship any players out so far, Valdano is confident that Geremi will be winging his way to the Riverside.

"Geremi is waiting to resolve some contractual issues and pass the medical tests," said Valdano.

"The negotiations with the English team are very advanced and the agreement between clubs is complete," he added.

"We have seven extra players, if we don't find a way out they know they will not be registered with the federation, it is a mathematical question, the footballers know who they are," said Valdano.

The "unwanted players" are strikers Congo, Savio and Pedro Munitis, midfielders Albert Celades and Flavio, defender Ivan Campo who await to find their destiny.

Moreover, Valdano also has to decide on the future of those players returning from a loan deal, defenders Julio Cesar and Dorado, midfielder Julio Alvarez and striker Tote.

With precious time ticking by, the pressure is mounting at Real Madrid.

Brazilian midfielder Flavio has declined an offer from Turkish club Besiktas.

"In the case of Flavio, we had a total agreement with Besiktas but in the end the deal was not done," continued Valdano.

Colombian striker Congo is awaiting offers while Brazilian striker Savio is open to negotiate a way out but only as a loan deal.