Izzet rejects Boro switch

Both clubs had agreed a fee in the region of £6 million for the midfield ace and Izzet had asked Boro for more time to think over the move after meeting McClaren for talks.

McClaren revealed after Saturday's FA Cup fifth round win over Blackburn Rovers that the Turkish international had rejected the chance to join the club and decided to stay with Leicester.

"The Muzzy Izzet deal, as far as I'm aware, is dead in the water," McClaren told the club's official website.

"It is a disappointment. I think he would have been a terrific asset to this football club but it's not to be.

"I've had a little chat with the player, the deal's dead and he wants to stay at Leicester. That's his prerogative and players are always in a position to do that."

Izzet admitted it was a difficult decision for him to make and while he was still at Leicester he would fight to help them avoid relegation.

"Middlesbrough made me a fantastic offer and I was very impressed with Steve McClaren and the facilities the club had to offer," Izzet told the club's official website.

"I would have been significantly more financially secure by accepting Middlesbrough's contract but this was not about money.

"I talked it through for a long time with my family and I feel that at this moment the move is not quite right for me."

"It has been a difficult few days for me and I am pleased that it has now been decided.

"When I spoke to Steve McClaren about my decision on the phone he was first class and wished me all the best.

"I have had a fantastic time at Leicester over the past six and a half years and it was very difficult for me to go on the transfer list at my own request four months ago.

"I would dearly love us to still be in the Premiership at the start of next season and we've got 12 games left starting with a make-or-break match against Derby on Saturday.

"I can assure all supporters that I will be doing everything possible to try and help us win that fight."

Izzet has been looking for a move away from Filbert Street for some time and has been on the transfer list since November.

It is the third recent blow for Boro in the transfer market for Boro having lost out to Manchester United for Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan and Dwight Yorke's refusal to leave Old Trafford.

Izzet's decision to reject Boro's overtures could alert Aston Villa and Celtic to renew their interest in the former Chelsea star.