Middlesbrough in race to sign Wolves' Richard Stearman

Middlesbrough today emerged as contenders to rival Wolves in the race to sign up Richard Stearman.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of next month and the Championship rivals have joined Burnley and Celtic in weighing up a move for the Wolverhampton-born stopper after the departure of Jozsef Varga, who plays predominantly right-back.

But Wolves are confident of extending the six-year stay of the Wolverhampton-born stopper after a superb season at centre-half and will be hopeful of matching other offers.