Dutch side's Blades move a blow to Rav

FEYENOORD appear to be out of the race to sign Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg, as they close in on a deal to sign Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic instead.

- By CRAIG JOHNS Football writer

The Dutch side saw two bids rejected by Boro recently for the Netherlands under-21 centre-half, with Boro holding out until someone meets their valuation. Van den Berg has two years remaining on his contract, but has told club officials that he wants to leave.

While there remains plenty of interest, Feyenoord are now working to secure the signing of 26-year-old Ahmedhodzic, who has been a key player for the Blades in recent years.

He had just one year remaining on his contract and a deal is said to be less than the club-record €8m. The Swedish-born defender has already been pictured arriving in Rotterdam.