MIDDLESBROUGH are bracing themselves for a final take-it-or-leave-it offer from Panathanaikos for Emanuel Pogatetz, but will demand around £1.5m for the experienced defender.

After losing out to Premier League Wigan Athletic for Gary Caldwell’s signature, Gordon Strachan is in no hurry to offload Pogatetz, but if the Greek side meet Boro’s valuation, the Austria international could be moved on to boost the transfer coffers.

The Middlesbrough boss has not given up in his pursuit of Queens Park Rangers winger Wayne Routledge despite the man lined up as Adam Johnson’s replacement having a £2m valuation placed on his head.

Following the sale of Mark Yeates to Sheffield United for £500,000, Pogatetz could be next out the door after the manager confirmed he will jettison some of his fringe players to generate funds and reduce the club’s wage bill.

Earlier this month Panathanaikos tested the water with an initial bid of around £400,000 for the former Boro skipper, but will have to make a significantly improved bid if they hope to land the versatile defender who becomes a free agent this summer.

After being priced out of moves for Getafe defender Cata Diaz and Fernando Meira of Zenit St Petersburg, the Greek Super League outfit are poised to make a significant offer for the Austrian who has emerged as their number one defensive target.

If the sale goes through Strachan is expected to pursue his interest in Routledge and Coventry City striker Leon Best, whose contract runs out at the end of the season.

Routledge is thought to be keen on making the switch to the Riverside after becoming disenchanted with the ongoing managerial merry-goround at QPR. The Teessiders have already had a £500,000 offer for the former Aston Villa and Spurs midfielder laughed off by the Loftus Road side.

But chairman Flavio Briatore has put a hold on any new cash transfers being made at the club this month and is ready to listen to bids closer to the £2m mark for the former England Under-21 international.

Coventry would hope to command a similar fee for Republic of Ireland international Best who has nine Championship goals to his name this season. Strachan has identified him as a possible answer to Boro’s desperate need for an accurate marksman but he is likely to face competition for the former Southampton striker.

In the meantime, midfielder Josh Walker made his comeback in Middlesbrough reserve team’s 3-2 win over Rotherham United’s second string at the Don Valley Stadium yesterday.

Walker returned to action after dislocating his shoulder while on loan at Northampton Town at the beginning of December.

Goals from teenagers Luke Williams and Cameron Park helped secure victory for Martin Scott’s side in their first outing since mid-December.

Williams, who became the youngest Boro first teamer in 105 years, when Strachan gave him a run out at Barnsley last month grabbed the lead after 30 minutes at Rotherham.

An own goal and Markseborn Park’s strike gave Boro a three-goal cushion shortly after half time. But a late rally by the home side ensured a nail-biting finish.