Wolves, Villa and Everton vie for Boro ace

Wolves lead the chase of Premier League clubs ­battling to sign Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater next month.

Boss Mick ­McCarthy has stepped up his interest now that Boro have admitted they will sell the 23-year-old defender.

But McCarthy faces competition from Everton and Aston Villa, while ­Newcastle and Sunderland are keeping tabs on the situation.

Wheater’s deal expires in June and Boro have decided to cash in by putting a £2m fee on his head rather than losing the former England Under-21 star for nothing.

Also attracting big interest is Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Adam Rooney.