Gordon Strachan wants to keep Adam Johnson and David Wheater at Middlesbrough

Gordon Strachan’s first job as Middlesbrough boss will be to try to ensure that prize assets Adam Johnson and David Wheater remain at the Riverside for the rest of the season.

The Scot has already discussed the futures of Johnson and Wheater with chairman Steve Gibson and has sought assurances they will remain part of the promotion push.

Strachan, who is expected to be confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor tomorrow, is well aware that he faces a difficult battle to keep the England Under-21 internationals, with several Premier League clubs waiting to pounce.

Local rivals Sunderland are showing a keen interest in the highly-rated duo and have had them watched several times, along with big guns Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Strachan knows if Boro don’t return to the Premier League at the first time of asking it will prove difficult to hang on to the pair.