Middlesbrough insist they will not be held to ransom by Real Madrid as they attempt to push through a permanent move for Geremi.
Boro have been quoted a fee of around £9.6million for the 24-year-old midfielder, who has had a superb season on loan at the Riverside.
However, while the Teessiders desperately want Geremi to stay with them, assistant boss Bill Beswick is adamant that they will only pay what they believe is the right price.
« The manager has made it clear that he would like Geremi to stay, » he said.
« But I think the club now approaches these things in a sensible manner and that it will not be at any cost.
« It will be at what is a reasonable price for his services. »
Geremi’s future has been a topic of some debate on Teesside ever since he made his mark in the Premiership, with a series of other clubs said to be monitoring his progress.
However, Boro have first refusal and are keen to tie him up in a long-term deal.
« He has done well for us and we would like him to continue, » Beswick told the club’s official website.
« We very much hope that that’s the case. He has definitely made an impact. He has played every minute of every game and his statistics are excellent.
« He is well liked by the players and the fans and alongside Jon Greening and George Boateng, he forms part of quite a formidable midfield trio. »
