Middlesbrough seek permanent Geremi deal

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren says the club will be talking to Real Madrid in an attempt to turn the loan signing of Cameroonian midfielder Geremi into a permanent move.

The 24-year-old is at Middlesbrough on a year's loan deal and has been a huge success.

He has played in every premier league game so far this season and has contributed some vital goals, including the winner in the derby victory over Newcastle United last week.

Geremi has also settled in well, helped by having compatriot Joseph-Desire Job in the squad.

"We want him to stay and I know the fans have taken to him," McClaren told the club's website on Thursday.

"He clearly likes it here and he has enjoyed the season so far, so that's on our side. He has had a very positive effect on the team both on and off the pitch."

"Our next step will be to talk to Real Madrid some time in the near future."

Geremi, who played in all three of Cameroon's group games in last year's World Cup finals, had been set to join Chelsea for 7 million pounds after the tournament but the deal fell through.