Reports have been circulating that Premier League club Middlesbrough are preparing to swoop for Swiss International Tranquillo Barnetta from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkuson.

23-year-old Barnetta joined Leverkusen in 2005 from Swiss team St Gallen and has over 30 caps for the Switzerland National team. Barnetta was one of the few shining lights for the Swiss in EURO 2008 in what was otherwise a disappointing tournament for the co-hosts.

Barnetta is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League, with the midfielder being valued in the region of £4million (€5.1m), but could face some stiff competition from North East rival Newcastle United, who are also said to be interested in Barnetta.