George Friend interests Premier League trio?

Middlesbrough defender George Friend could reportedly depart the Championship club in January, with a number of Premier League clubs chasing his signature.

The 25-year-old, who moved to the Riverside from Doncaster Rovers in the summer, has been a key part of the club's impressive opening half of the season.

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City have all made subtle enquires, although Tony Mowbray is understood to have rejected such claims.

Friend, who can play either centre-back or left-back, has previously played for Wolverhampton Wanderers.