Boro looking for Mills boon

Middlesbrough have confirmed they are looking to conclude a permanent deal with Leeds for Danny Mills before the end of the week.

Mills is on a season-long loan deal at Boro and has impressed the Riverside faithful with his commitment to the cause.

The England international appears happy at the Teesside club, which has prompted the Boro paymasters to approach cash-strapped Leeds about a permanent deal.

Talks have started, with Boro chairman Steve Gibson looking to conclude a deal before the transfer window slams shut at the weekend.

"We've had discussions with Danny Mills and his agent this week and those discussions are ongoing," Gibson told the club's website.

"Leeds have got complex difficulties and time is running out. We would hope to sign him permanently before the end of the week but we might not."

Gibson has moved to reassure the club's fans that there is no chance of Mills moving elsewhere before the summer.

"Danny is with us until the end of the season," added Gibson.

Gibson believes a deal will be concluded in the summer if they fail to land Mills this week, but any failure to secure his signature could allow other interested parties to step in at the end of the season.

"If not now, then we expect a permanent deal to happen at the end of the season," Gibson said of Mills. "We want him to stay, the fans have taken to him and I think he wants to stay."

Stuart Parnaby, meanwhile, is receiving treatment after picking up an injury against Arsenal at the weekend.

The defender is nursing a back injury after tumbling over an advertising hoarding on Saturday and is set to be assessed on Tuesday.