Boro close on Macedonian

Middlesbrough have reached agreement for the signing of Internazionale's Goran Slavkovski.

Middlesbrough have reached agreement over Internazionale's Goran Slavkovski. The 18-year-old is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Middlesbrough after he rejected offers from France, Germany and Holland. Slavkovski has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic - not only for their style of play but also because they have Swedish-Balkan roots and both learned their trade with FBK Balkan and Malmo. Inter signed Slavkovski in 2005 from Malmo when they beat the likes of Manchester United to his signature at the age of just 15. He went onto make his Inter debut in May 2006 and became their youngest ever player, but he has not progressed as hoped and is now being allowed to leave. Boro enquired about Slavkovski earlier this month and they have now firmed up their interest and look set to conclude his signing before Thursday's deadline.

Done deal

"The clubs have reached an agreement and the papers are signed," confirmed agent Jozo Palac. "The reason he is moving is to get more playing time. The chance is better at Middlesbrough. "We have visited the club. Goran got a very good impression. "The only thing remaining is Goran's medical in England."