Unconfirmed rumours suggest possible transfer to Portsmouth for Socceroos international Mark Schwarzer. Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren "shocked and awed" by Schwarzer's request to be released from the club and move to a different team in January’s transfer window.

Mark Schwarzer's move was completely unexpected, but the Australian International goalkeeper is keen to move to a Club facing more positive prospects. The move follows a series of disappointing appearances for Middlesbrough FC in the English Premiership.
Schwarzer has played over 300 matches for Middlesbrough in his 9-year career in the Club. He faces competition from Socceroos international Zeljko Kalac for Guus Hiddink's squad plans.

Portsmouth's new millionaire joined owner is believed to have given the go-ahead to Harry Redknapp's plan to buy the remaining of Schwarzer's contract with Middlesbrough. Alexandre Gaydamak has pledged to Pompey fans that he will spend similar amounts to Chelsea FC's owner Roman Abramovic.

The player's agent told reporters that Mark Schwarzer was looking for a "fresh start" in his career. Schwarzer is also looking to make an impact in the Premiership to ensure his place into Guus Hiddink's World Cup Finals squad.

"I was very surprised, very shocked and very disappointed. Really, it was accepted reluctantly on our behalf," McClaren said signalling that he does not object to his transfer.

"But as always, you only want players who are happy here, who want to play for your football club, and Mark has made it known that he wants to move on, so we have reluctantly accepted that."

"I don't really know. I think it's something for another day and a statement has to be made by Mark himself as to the reasons."

"It appeared on my desk very quickly and we have trained and prepared for this game and there hasn't really been time to reflect, so when we do after the weekend, I'm sure everything will be brought out into the open."

"Who knows?.. This is a reaction that's just come up. It's disappointing, and who knows, on reflection, the situation might change... Who knows in the present market? It's happened very quickly. We have got a short window in January and we will see what happens."

"We will obviously have to look around. With the possibility that Mark does go in this January window, then we have to have some alternatives."

Barry Silkman, a spokesman for the player, spoke to reporters about Schwarzer's future. "He just feels its time to move on," he said. "He's been there eight years, he signed a new contract at the start of the season and I just think he feels that maybe, we have gone half the season, it's just time to move on."

"He would prefer to stay in England, but if the right move came up abroad, if a major club came in for him like AC Milan or one of those clubs then obviously we'd sit and think about it." said Silkman.

"Ideally he would rather stay in the Premier League. But he's not really worried what country he lives in, he just wants a challenge."

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