Middlesbrough are closing in on a deal for Olympique Lyon striker Fred.
Lyons' president, Jean-Michel Aulas, said yesterday that three clubs had bid for Fred and they had accepted. Portsmouth and Spurs are the two English clubs, but the former's manager, Harry Redknapp, said last night that he had heard Boro had nipped in to sign him. Fred is expected on Teesside today for talks.