More rumors in Los Angeles; this time, Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has been linked to the Galaxy, the Northern Echo says, after the American club’s reported attempt to sign retired Frenchman Zinedine Zidane once again failed. Zidane, it seems, cannot be persuaded to come out of retirement for 12 months.
Enter Mendieta. The 33-year-old Spaniard is out of a contract in the summer, and Boro manager Gareth Southgate has already indicated that the former Spanish international would not have his contract renewed. Mendieta joined Middlesbrough from Serie A’s Lazio in July 2004-where he was a definite flop-and enjoyed two influential seasons with the Teesside club before falling out of favor this season.
Mendieta has certainly lost a step since his glory days at Valencia. Once noted for his pace as well as his guile, the player has certainly looked off the pace in recent seasons. The Echo says the Galaxy is poised to offer Mendieta a “lucrative” new contract, though that would be surprising given his recent form.