BORO`S CLAUSE FOR CONCERN - SPANISH EYES

MIDDLESBROUGH defender Christian Ziege has hinted for the first time that he would like to join Liverpool, with the German star‚ÇÖs agent saying it is only a matter of the two teams agreeing a deal.

It has been rumoured for some time that the wing back has a clause in his contract that will allow him to move from the Riverside if a club tables a bid over £5 million, despite Boro continually denying this.

The problem is that it is understood that the North East outfit inserted the clause regarding a possible move abroad, but Liverpool‚ÇÖs interest is a headache for Boro boss Bryan Robson.

Despite continually claiming that he was happy on Teesside, the 28-year-old has, for the first time, stated that he would like to join Gerard Houllier‚ÇÖs Merseyside revolution.

Speaking to Kicker Magazine, Ziege said: "The incentive for me to join Liverpool is large, because next season they are in Europe."

Lothar Heintze, who works as Ziege‚ÇÖs agent, stated that it is just a case of the two Premiership side‚ÇÖs thrashing out a deal, saying: "It is now up to the two clubs to reach an agreement."

Meanwhile, Ziege could be offered an alternative to Anfield by Spanish sides Barcelona, Valencia, Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna who are all being linked with the German.

Boro themselves would prefer this as they do not want their prize-asset to move to another English club, as was the case when they sold Juninho and Fabrizio Ravanelli.