Latics made to wait for Cattermole

Wigan will have to wait until next week to complete the signing of Middlesbrough youngster Lee Cattermole – but are unlikely to face any problems sealing the deal.

Cattermole has been given permission to hold talks with the Latics and undergo a medical after Boro 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 club spokesman 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Cattermole was withdrawn from the Boro squad ahead of Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Celtic in Portugal after Wigan tabled their improved offer.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.

Meanwhile, Brazilian striker Afonso Alves has won the arbitration case filed by Dutch club AZ Alkmaar after he signed for Boro earlier this year.

AZ demanded 7.5 million euros (£5.9million) from the 27-year-old, claiming he had already signed a contract with them when he agreed to join Boro from Heerenveen in January.

The arbitration committee of the Dutch football association (KNVB) ruled there had been no breach of contract as the deal with AZ had not been signed by Alves’ agent, Wagner Ribeiro, leaving it incomplete.