Southgate wants homegrown success

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate wants to build a promotion challenge around local boys David Wheater and Matthew Bates.

Boro have indicated they will fend off Aston Villa’s interest in Wheater – with the Midlands club rumoured to be preparing a £9m cash-plus-player offer - while Bates yesterday ended speculation over his future by signing a three-year contract extension.