Liverpool were interested in Boro’s defender

Southgate has revealed that Middlesbrough did all they could to hold on David Wheater. They managed to ward off interests from plenty of English clubs, particularly Liverpool.

The defender, who could’ve given Skrtel a run for his money (in terms of looks that is), has just signed a 5 year contract with Middlesbrough lasting until 2012.

The 21 year old defender was called p to the England squad by Fabio Capello to face France next Wednesday. It was considered as a surprise inclusion to both fans and Wheater himself.

“The innocence about David means there’s no fear in his play,” said Southgate. “For six months in the Premier League David has been outstanding but you’re only a good player if you can do it season in season out.”

“Jonathan was a fantastic player so it was a difficult decision,” he admitted. “But David’s quality took some of the risk out of it. It was still a huge risk though, but David is fulfilling the potential we saw.”