Soccer News: Manchester United are keen to sign the Holland international Nigel de Jong from Ajax.

They have informed the Dutch club of their interest in the versatile 20-year-old and would like to set up a deal for this summer.

De Jong is considered to be one of Holland's brightest young talents and has five international caps. He prefers to be used in midfield, ideally on the right of a three, but can also operate anywhere across the back four.

Ajax have said they do not want to sell but are aware that De Jong is showing no inclination to extend a contract which expires at the end of next season.

The club would be entitled to compensation at the end of De Jong's contract because of his age, however, and their general manager Arie van Eijden said: "We won't let him go. We will not quote a fee. We want to keep him; as simple as that."

It is not certain Ajax will remain so steadfast. They will offer De Jong an improved deal but the youngster seems keen to move and has said in the past he would like to go to England, once mentioning Arsenal as his preferred destination.

He has become disillusioned at Ajax after being used in various positions this season by the now departed coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman's successor Danny Blind has used De Jong in his favoured midfield position.

A dynamic and neat player, De Jong underlined his talent in a Champions League game at Arsenal two seasons ago, scoring for Ajax in a 1-1 draw.

Middlesbrough's goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could return from injury to play a part in the club's final push for European qualification.

The Australian (32) has missed the last five games with a back spasm, but is training as Boro prepare for two fixtures which will determine whether they qualify for next season's Uefa Cup.

Steve McClaren's men face Tottenham at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday in a crucial clash for both sides. Boro then travel to Manchester City, who lie just one place and three points behind them.

Guardian Service