Middlesbrough?s trip to Turin in midweek was reportedly to check on Juventus star Stephen Appiah.

Boro boss Steve McClaren travelled to Italy with chief executive Keith Lamb to watch Juve's UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool.

It is now claimed that former Parma star Appiah was the reason for the trip and talks with high-ranking Bianconeri officials took place about the highly-rated Ghanaian's availability.

Boro are believed to have received a positive response and could look to seal a deal, which may be a loan to start off with - although Juve may want a straight cash move, and Birmingham are also said to be showing an interest.