Stewart Downing could spend the rest of the season away from Middlesbrough after being told he can leave on loan.
The 32-year-old former England international's situation is being monitored by a series of potential suitors and he will be allowed to make a temporary move after slipping out of contention at his home-town club.
Downing has been linked with neighbours Newcastle, who are currently engaged in a fight for promotion back to the Premier League, but might be more tempted by the chance to join forces with Sam Allardyce once again.