CHRIS WILDER has confirmed Hayden Coulson will be leaving Middlesbrough this summer – despite the wing-back playing a leading role in Saturday’s pre-season friendly victory at Bishop Auckland.

Coulson played for the whole of the second half as Wilder changed all ten outfield players at the interval at Heritage Park, setting up Boro’s fourth goal with a teasing left-wing cross that Bishops defender Anthony Callaghan turned into his own net.

While other fringe performers such as Grant Hall, Uche Ikpeazu and Chuba Akpom were not involved in the game as they look for alternative employers, Wilder opted to include Coulson in his squad.

However, after recruiting Ryan Giles to start as first-choice left wing-back next season, and with Marc Bola also currently still part of the first-team squad, Wilder has told Gateshead-born Coulson he does not feature in his plans for next season.

“Hayden’s available,” confirmed Wilder, who watched Riley McGree, Tommy Smith, Anfernee Dijksteel and Josh Coburn all find the net as Boro cruised to victory in their opening pre-season outing. “He knows the situation.

“He’s available for other teams to take, Grant Hall is available, and Uche is available too. There’s players there that understand the situation, although they’re obviously still contracted to us at the moment.

“They’re good characters, and that was why Hayden was involved at Bishop. He’ll have done himself no harm in terms of getting 45 minutes under his belt. But will he be part of the first-team squad next season? No. He understands that, and he’s working hard with his agent and the club to make sure a move happens.”

All three of Boro’s new signings were involved against Bishop, with a fourth potential new recruit, Smith, also playing for the opening 45 minutes.

The full-back is a free agent following his release from Stoke City at the end of last season, and boasts extensive experience, having captained Huddersfield Town during their time in the top-flight.

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He has been lined up to provide competition for Isaiah Jones at right wing-back, but will only be offered a deal once Djed Spence’s ongoing transfer situation is resolved.

“He’s (Smith) someone I’ve known for a long time, and it’s a position where we’re looking to strengthen,” said Wilder. “Izzy had a fantastic season last year, and we’ve still got the ongoing situation with Djed.

“I’ve known Tommy for a while. We’re doing him a little bit of a favour, and at the same time, we’ve got the opportunity to have a look at him as a potential player that could come to us. His CV speaks for itself really, but the situation with Djed is an ongoing one.”

Middlesbrough continue to hold discussions with Tottenham over Spence, but the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement over the fee for the 21-year-old. Boro are holding out for at least £20m.