Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate could be handed extra funds for team-strengthening after the club agreed to sell youngster Lee Cattermole to Wigan.
Cattermole has been given permission to hold talks with Wigan and undergo a
medical after Middlesbrough accepted an undisclosed offer from their Barclays
Premier League rivals.
The Teessiders do not expect Cattermole to move on before the end of the week,
however after Southgate admitted he must sell before buying again it would suit
Boro if the deal went through without further delay.
A spokesman for Middlesbrough said: 'Boro have confirmed that they have agreed
a fee with Wigan Athletic for the transfer of Lee Cattermole.
'The 20-year-old midfielder has been given permission to talk to Wigan,
discuss personal terms and have a medical.
'No further news is expected until next week.'
Cattermole was withdrawn from the Boro squad ahead of last night's 1-1 draw
with Celtic in Portugal after Wigan tabled their improved offer.
Southgate admitted Cattermole was 'not in the right frame of mind to play' in
the pre-season game.
It is understood Wigan have offered around £3.5million for the England Under-21
international.
Stockton-born Cattermole emerged as a precocious teenager in January 2006 when
he made his first senior start in a 2-2 derby draw at Newcastle.
He was used as a substitute in the UEFA Cup final later that season in what was
Steve McClaren's last game in charge, but has struggled to establish himself in
the team under his successor.
With Julio Arca, Fabio Rochemback and George Boateng also vying for central
midfield berths last season, Cattermole found himself at times playing out of
position.
Of his 28 appearances last season, 14 were made from the bench, and with the
arrival of Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes this summer, it appeared his
opportunities would be even more limited.
Should the player agree to move, the deal would represent another success for
the club's academy which brought the local youngster through the ranks.
