However, Ziege argues that Capello's teams are not boring and insists there is room for style and panache.

BBC: How Capello's England will look

Makin's involvement ended 13 minutes from the break when Keith O'Neill's pass out of defence sent Ziege away.

BBC: Steady Reddy saves Sunderland

With England midfielder Paul Ince and Christian Ziege already assured of places, the clock is ticking for Gascoigne.

BBC: Boro keep quiet over Gazza

Houllier has made the signing of a left-sided player a top priority this summer, and Ziege has emerged at the top of his hit list.

BBC: Ziege in Liverpool's sights

Liverpool, however, are now expected to follow up their initial interest with a firm offer to link Ziege with two fellow German internationals at Anfield next season.

BBC: Ziege in Liverpool's sights

Newcastle continued to run preceedings until the final minute when Boro striker Brian Deane collected a Ziege free-kick and poked the ball past Steve Harper for a late consolation.

BBC: Shearer celebrates his fifty

Robson is set to continue to resist Liverpool's attempts to sign Ziege, but the deciding factor is likely to be the lure of joining his fellow countrymen at Liverpool.

BBC: Ziege in Liverpool's sights

Ziege had a highly successful first season on Teeside after a move from Inter Milan, but he is expected to be tempted by the possibility of joining Hamann and Babbel on Merseyside.

BBC: Ziege in Liverpool's sights

Sorensen produced an excellent finger-tip save to deflect Ziege's free kick over the bar, and Ricard sent a header just wide seconds later as the Sunderland defence creaked without its right back.

BBC: Steady Reddy saves Sunderland