Steve Bruce understands Bates is helping Boro in their fight for Premier League survival, but the star out of contract in the summer and can go for nothing.
Bates Heading To Wigan, Everton Or West Ham?
Steve Bruce understands Bates is helping Boro in their fight for Premier League survival, but the star out of contract in the summer and can go for nothing.
He has battled back from a couple of bad knee injuries and proved his worth as a right-back or midfielder.
Everton and West Ham are also keeping tabs on Bates, but Latics think they have a big chance because of the presence of Boro old boy Lee Cattermole.
Meanwhile, Australia and Wales are set for an international battle over Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams. The defender was born in Perth but also has Under-21 Welsh caps. (Daily Mirror)