Sky Sports News reports that relegated Middlesbrough have bowed to the inevitable and granted Stewart Downing permission to leave the club, while goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has requested a transfer. Downing is currently recovering from a broken foot, but he still looks set for a transfer.

Chief executive Keith Lamb admits that individuals will be leaving, saying: "There will be people leaving, that is inevitable, but they will only be leaving if it is in the best interests of Middlesbrough football club.

"But I feel the squad needs refreshing. I think everybody accepts you need a squad to get you out of the Championship and another team to keep you in the Premier League. The gap is that wide."