Southgate: Mendieta could be on way out

Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta could still leave Teesside before the end of the season, according to Boro manager Gareth Southgate.

The former Valencia playmaker, 32, was tipped to leave in the transfer window last month but failed to secure a move away from the Riverside.

With the window now shut, the club may be forced to release the former Valencia star to push through a deal – with a move to the USA still a potential option.

Southgate told the club’s website, www.mfc.co.uk: “Gaizka is still part of the squad.

“Whether he will stay for the remainder of the season remains to be seen.

“There’s something happening in the USA that may be a possibility and I don’t know whether he will be able to do something during the season.”