Newcastle United are interested in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

Wheater is off contract in June and set to be sold by Boro next month.

The News of the World says Stoke City and Aston Villa have been joined by Newcastle in the race to sign Wheater.

Wheater is reportedly being paid £20,000 a week on his current contract at the Riverside, a sum that would certainly not put off the Toon.

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