BORO target Marvin Emnes’ agent has told the Gazette his client would be tempted by a switch to the Premier League.

The £2m-rated Dutch striker is today weighing up a move to Boro. The 20-year-old from Sparta Rotterdam scored nine goals in 29 Eredivisie appearances last season and is being courted by clubs in Holland and England.

Boro, who have also been linked with Swansea’s Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde, are confident of completing three major signings before pre-season training begins on Monday.

Work continues behind the scenes to complete deals for Reading’s James Harper and Paris St Germain midfielder Didier Digard.

But, if agent Eduard Burleson is correct, then Emnes’s negotiations could be completed first.

Speaking to the Gazette today, he said: “This has been going on for two or three months now and it’s about time everything was resolved and Marvin made a decision. Also, most clubs begin pre-season training next week and, if he decides to leave, Marvin wants to be with his new club for then.

“It may be that he stays with Sparta, who offered him a good contract,” added the agent. “There are a number of clubs interested in him though, including Feyenoord and teams from England.”

Asked how likely a move to this country was, Burleson said: “If you had a chance to go to the Premier League, who wouldn’t be tempted by that?”

Emnes is a striker who can also play on either wing.

Derby manager Paul Jewell has admitted he faces competition from Boro for the signature of Bodde.

Jewell said: “I would imagine there are a few clubs in for Ferrie because he’s a good player. I know Middlesbrough were interested, so we’re up against some decent competition.”