Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is hopeful that 21-year-old defender David Wheater will soon follow Stewart Downing and re-sign after encouraging contract talks.

He said: "We have had some very positive discussions with David and his family this week and what is clear is that they want to be part of this football club as well in the longer term.

"There are still one or two things to negotiate, but I must say, talking to David's family and his advisors was very refreshing.

"It was one of the rare meetings that you come out of with your faith restored in football and footballers' parents."