POBORSKY, the Czech Republic's gifted midfielder, last night agreed to join Manchester United. Poborsky will formally complete a Pounds 3.6 million transfer from Slavia Prague in Switzerland at the weekend after rejecting the opportunity to move to one of Italy's leading clubs, Lazio.

After a series of outstanding performances in the European Championship finals, 24 year old Poborsky was approached by a number of high profile clubs. But he telephoned Alex Ferguson, the United manager, yesterday evening to say he wished to play his football in the Premiership next season.

Ferguson will take his spending to Pounds 5 million later today when Norwegian international Ronnie Johnsen arrives from Turkey to complete a Pounds 1.5 million transfer. Johnsen currently plays for Beskits.

A second Norwegian international, striker Ole Gunnai Solskjaer, is still involved in negotiations with United about a proposed Pounds 1.6 million move.

Meanwhile, Patrick Kluivert, the Ajax striker, could be on his way to Middlesbrough for Pounds 6 million. Bryan Robson, has made an official approach for the 20 year old Dutch international and is prepared to break his club's transfer record, backed by chairman Steve Gibson's money and robust season ticket sales.

Middlesbrough are confident they can pull off the audacious signing and have put together a wage package worth around Pounds 5 million a year for the powerful striker who gave glimpses of his ability in Euro '96.

Kluivert has long been expected to join Milan for the 1997/98 sea son, but Robson has boldly tried to bring him to England.