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Hull City hoping to complete Boateng deal next week

06/07/2008

Premier League new boys Hull City are looking to complete the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng next week.

Scottish champions Celtic are also keen on signing the 32-year-old Dutchman, according to reports today.

Boateng's agent Barry Silkman said he will speak to the interested club, which he is refusing to name, on Tuesday.

"A Premier League club know what the fee would be and have asked to speak to the player and his representative," Silkman told the BBC.

"He has a year left on his contract, but he's been there for five or six years and given them good service.

"He played about 80 per cent of the season, but he just thinks that maybe it is the right time to move on.

"Middlesbrough recognise he has been a great professional and say they won't hold out for a king's ransom should he wish to leave and won't stand in his way."

Boateng reportedly fell out with Boro boss Gareth Southgate last season over a lack of first-team chances.

Hull chairman Paul Duffen said talks with Boateng and the Teesiders are at a "very advanced stage".

"Talks have been going on for a couple of weeks now, but it's important to say we are talking to him with the consent of Middlesbrough Football Club," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.

"We are hopeful that we might be able to reach an agreement with him."