MIDDLESBROUGH have reacted angrily to the claim they are pricing one of the country's most promising talents out of the English game.

Nathan Porritt and his advisors are trying to engineer a move away from his hometown club, but Boro insist they want the highly-rated 17-year-old to sign a two-year professional contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Porritt's name shot to prominence before he had even broken into the first-team squad after BBC television programme Panorama alleged that his agent, Peter Harrison, had offered him to other Premiership clubs without Middlesbrough's knowledge.

Now, despite the possibility of a move to Chelsea breaking down following the revelations made by Panorama, the Teessider wants to further his football education away from the club that has nurtured him through their renowned Academy.

And, despite Harrison's claims and reports that £2m is being asked from interested clubs, Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has been highly critical of the way Porritt's agent is steering him away from the club.

"In respect to the recent quotes about Nathan Porritt by Peter Harrison in a national newspaper, I have got to say that I have never heard such rubbish in my life," said Lamb.

"It astounds me that his agent shows such ignorance of the real situation with regard to his client. For the record, Middlesbrough Football Club has never wanted Nathan Porritt to leave our club. We have had no contact with any other football club and have certainly never quoted any figures for a transfer.