Middlesbrough have opened fresh talks with Juventus for midfielder Stephen Appiah.

The Sun says Boro chief executive Keith Lamb flew to Turin yesterday in a bid to persuade the Ghana international to switch to the Riverside.

Juve are believed to want ?5million for Appiah, 24, but Boro may try to arrange a year-long loan deal first.

Boro have made the move as they prepare for life after Bolo Zenden, who is set to sign for Liverpool this week.