Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray admits the club is being forced into a waiting game to discover if David Wheater will leave before the end of the month. The 23-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League and whilst he would like that to be with Boro, realistically this is unlikely to happen soon with the Wearsiders fighting a relegation battle.

With the central defender out of contract at the end of the campaign, boss Tony Mowbray is aware they may have to cash in on him during the January transfer window.

Asked if any deal is close, Mowbray told the club's official website: "I don't think so, I don't think the momentum of phone calls is intense enough yet."

He added: "Everyone is looking and maybe thinking the money might come down the more weeks we go into the transfer window.

"But from my point of view, if he's still at Middlesbrough in February, then so be it. It's important we don't let our big assets go for less than the right price.

"Wheater was immense against Norwich and to replace him would be a huge job."