Stoke City are launching a £4 million bid for Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

The Daily Mail says with Wheater out of contract at the end of next season, Middlesbrough know they are facing the prospect of losing their fourth high-profile Academy player in two years following the departures of Adam Johnson, Stewart Downing and Lee Cattermole.

Wheater was made Boro captain by Gareth Southgate a year ago but was relieved of the role by Strachan after his arrival last October.