Middlesbrough are holding an internal investigation over a betting plunge on Gareth Southgate being sacked.

The People says Middlesbrough chiefs are investigating claims a member of the Riverside staff bet £250 on Southgate being the next Premier League boss to be sacked.

The worker placed the 4-1 wager this week with a bookmaker close to the Riverside Stadium.

But he was recognised as a Boro insider by staff at the bookies - and they acted quickly to suspend the betting on Southgate being axed, a move that was followed by other betting firms.

A source said: "It wasn't a player but someone on the staff at Middlesbrough and the bet was £250 at odds of 4-1.

"Unfortunately for him, he was recognised by the betting shop cashier as someone who worked at the Riverside Stadium and this set the alarm bells ringing.

"Gareth Southgate was not impressed and the club is now trying to get to the bottom of it."