It comes as a boost for Boss Gareth Southgate after news that Didier Digard has been suspended by Paris St Germain after he accused them of holding up his move to England.

The 21-year-old Frenchman hit out as his proposed £4million switch to the Riverside Stadium stalled over administrative problems.

He has now been suspended by PSG and could face further punishment, although his current club have confirmed the sanction will not affect his transfer situation.

In an official statement released on the club's official website, www.psg.fr, they confirmed the action they had taken action against both Digard and striker Amara Diane, the latter of whom failed to turn up for pre-season training on Monday.

It said: "Concerning the unjustified absence from PSG training and the inexact comments made to the press by Amara Diane, the PSG management have decided to suspend the player, while waiting to pronounce appropriate sanctions.

"Moreover, negotiations on a possible transfer have not been put to one side.

"In the same fashion, but this time regarding Didier Digard and his declarations in the newspapers, PSG have also decided to suspend the player while waiting to pronounce appropriate sanctions."

PSG responded to Digard's claims earlier this week when they alleged his move was being held up by Boro's failure to provide bank guarantees after a deal had been agreed.

The former Le Havre player had looked likely to be Southgate's first summer signing, but the delay has meant his pursuit of Reading's James Harper could yet end sooner.