Personal terms may have been agreed between Middlesbrough's David Wheater and Bolton Wanderers, but the deal is in jeopardy as the English Championship club cannot agree a fee with their Premiership counterparts. Boro boss Tony Mowbray is believed to holding out for a £4million fee for the 23-year-old which they are determined to obtain.
Wheater has returned to training with Boro and now could be in the frame for the weekend trip to Ashton Gate.
Assistant boss Mark Venus told the club's official website: "David is still here. He trained with us on Monday and Tuesday.
"Right now, he is still a Middlesbrough player, he is contracted to the club and, if he is still here at the weekend, then there's every chance he will be playing.
"Of course, we would like the situation to be resolved - and it will be by January 31 - but I know David has always done his all for the football club and that's all we can ask."