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Middlesbrough FC are thought to have cooled their interest in Stade de Reims defender Aissa Mandi - despite claims from the French club's president that Boro are in "advanced talks" with the player.

Earlier this summer, The Gazette revealed that Boro had made tentative enquiries about the France-born right-back, who has been capped by Algeria and plays for the recently-relegated club.

The tall 24-year-old, who was linked with Arsenal late last year, is expected to leave Reims this summer, with the player heading into the final year of his contract.

In an interview with TSA Sport Algerie , Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has today claimed Boro are front of the queue of potential suitors following Reims' relegation from Ligue 1.

But The Gazette understands talks have fallen through after the parties failed to agree terms, and Boro are now assessing their options.

"Aissa Mandi is in discussions with several clubs," the Stade de Reims chief said.

"This is very advanced with an English club, Middlesbrough, and we expect a proposal.

"If we should and it suits us, which should not pose too many problems, he will start (next season) in the Premier League.

"We have an agreement for two years (on Mandi's current contract) and this is independent of the club's relegation.

"This year, he (Mandi) had a good output."

Ahead of their return to the Premier League, Boro do have a vacancy at right-back after releasing Damia Abella this summer.

Emilio Nsue and Alex Baptiste will both be hoping to occupy that position next season but Aitor Karanka will want strong competition for places throughout the team.