Mourinho recommends Omeruo for Boro

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed Kenneth Omeruo was recommended to him by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

He said: “Kenneth’s a defender from Chelsea. I know him, Jose told me about him and told me he’s a good player to have.

“Jose and I are friends, so always since I have arrived here it (Boro signing Chelsea players) has been talked about.

The young defender has impressed at international level with Nigeria and is hoping to feature for the Super Eagles in this summer’s World Cup.

He also said the Chelsea defender won't be Boro’s only signing in the January transfer window as he is assessing options in several positions.

He confirmed after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Hull that Omeruo will join Boro for the remainder of the current season on Tuesday.

“We have been working on a deal and he will be with us on Tuesday and staying for the rest of the season,” said Karanka.

“He’s a strong defender and we need to improve at the back and we need a strong defender and Kenneth is a strong player a very good player, he can play at centre-back and right-back.

“We are looking for many positions but we need to be very smart with the players that come here because I’m very happy with my squad.”

Messi is better than Neymar, Ronaldo - Maradona

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Lionel Messi is still a cut above Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi remains the best in the world. He is still a better player than Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo."

Maradona also had his say on the 2014 World Cup and he is hopeful that Argentina can emerge victorious in Brazil.

"Next year's World Cup belongs to South Americans. I hope Argentina will be crowned champions," he added.

The Napoli icon believes that Spain would not have lost the Confederations Cup final against Brazil had the game been played at a neutral venue.

The European and world champions were comfortably beaten 3-0 at the Maracana following a double from Fred either side of a Neymar strike and the 52-year-old feels the hostile environment affected Vicente del Bosque's men.

"Spain were unlucky that the tournament was being played in Brazil. They looked promising. Brazil wouldn't have beaten them had the game been played on neutral ground," he told reporters on a visit to Indonesia.

Information from goal.com used in this report.