Middlesbrough defender David Wheater looks set to snub a £7 million move to Aston Villa, opting to stay and help Gareth Southgate’s side return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Wheater is reported to have been targeted by
Villa boss Martin O’Neill for some time, while
Birmingham City and
Stoke are also monitoring the England Under 21 international.
But with
Boro set to sell England winger
Stewart Downing, possibly to
Tottenham, as well as striker
Tuncay to balance the books, Southgate will be hoping Wheater remains at the Riverside next season.
Wheater, 22, who is progressing well after minor knee surgery in May, said: “I’m certain I will be ready for the first game of the season against
Sheffield United on August 7.
“We just have to concentrate on going straight back up again and if we keep as many players as we can we will have a great chance.”
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