Sean St Ledger is on the verge of a Middlesbrough exit after a bust-up with manager Gordon Strachan.

The 24-year old Republic of Ireland international reportedly wants out at the Riverside after clashing with the new manager but faces a tough task in doing so as he is currently on loan from Preston North End.

St Ledger joined Boro on loan for £4million, joining outside the transfer window, with the view to a full-time move which has apparently been guaranteed but now things have changed dramatically.

It is a strange situation in which a player wants to leave a club before his deal becomes officially permanent and is sure to create some confusion among authorities.