JASON EUELL claims he has been told he can leave Middlesbrough before the transfer window closes on August 31.

The 30-year-old, who only signed from Charlton 12 months ago, has not figured in Gareth Southgate's team so far this season.

And now Southgate has indicated to the former England Under-21s international that he has no future at the Riverside Stadium.

He has been given permission to speak with interested clubs, in the hope Middlesbrough can offload him before the closure of the transfer window at the end of the month.

"There is a bit of interest and I have to look at that for my own future," said Euell. "I don't think loan is an option, but realistically I hope it will be resolved in the next week or so."

He added: "Three weeks into pre-season and everything was going well and Gareth told me I was going to be classed as a striker. A few weeks later and I'm told I'm not part of his plans, which is a huge turnaround."

As well as the departure of Euell, Everton are also close to an agreement over the sale of Ayegbeni Yakubu from Teesside.

Yakubu has not been training with the Boro squad for the last couple of days, while talks have continued in an attempt to reach a compromise over a fee for the £12m-rated player.

* For more on the Yakubu saga read Wednesday's The Northern Echo.