WEST BROM boss Tony Mowbray has told his Middlesbrough counterpart, Gareth Southgate, to forget about trying to sign Diomansy Kamara this summer.

After scoring an impressive 22 goals this season, Kamara has emerged as one of the most highly-rated strikers outside of the top-flight.

With Mark Viduka's future still far from certain, Southgate is expected to sign at least one new frontman before the start of next season.

The Boro boss was linked with a possible move for Kamara during the January transfer window but, even if West Brom fail to win promotion to the Premiership next month, Mowbray has insisted that the Senegal international will not be for sale this summer.

"We will hang on to everyone we want to hang on to because that's what contracts are all about," said the former Boro skipper.

"It amuses me when I read speculation saying, 'This player will be off' when I know they've got three years left on their contract.

"I would be very surprised if Joey (Kamara) wasn't being coveted by a lot of clubs because he is a very talented player.

"But Cristiano Ronaldo is being coveted by Real Madrid and I can't see him making that move in the next year or two. Why won't it happen? Because he has a contract with Manchester United.

"Is it the same with Kamara? What do you think? We will decide if it is right for the football club. If not, people can speculate all they want and whether it's media or agents doesn't matter.

"Players sign contracts in good faith, we pay money in good faith and we expect 100 per cent on a football field in good faith as well."

Meanwhile, Boro defender Matthew Bates is hoping to be back in full training in two weeks' time.

The 20-year-old underwent surgery on his right knee four-and-a-half-months ago, curtailing a successful loan spell at Championship side Ipswich.