Skysports.com understands that Middlesbrough have agreed terms with defensive starlet David Wheater over a new contract, whilst Jonathan Woodgate's future remains unclear.

Boro have moved quickly over the past few weeks to finalise a deal for the 20-year-old Wheater - who has made a rapid rise into the first-team picture this term.

Wheater is now first-choice on merit under Gareth Southgate, having started the campaign someway down the pecking order at The Riverside.

Boro had feared losing one of their prized assets after it emerged he was out of contract in the summer, but despite interest from rival clubs - Teessider Wheater is now set to put pen-to-paper next week.