Izzet looks to join boys from Boro

Muzzy Izzet is due for talks with Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren in a bid to remain a Premiership player.

Izzet made his World Cup debut yesterday as a second-half substitute in Turkey's 1-0 semifinal defeat to Brazil.

Now he and his team-mates head to South Korea for Saturday's consolation thirdfourth place play-off with the co-hosts.

After the tournament ends the midfielder, relegated with Leicester last season, hopes to secure a move to Middlesbrough. "The bid from Middlesbrough is still on the table and I will be speaking to Steve McClaren when I get back," he said.

Meanwhile, China's former Crystal Palace defender Fan Zhiyi has threatened legal action over media reports in his home country that China deliberately lost their opening World Cup match against Costa Rica.