Middlesbrough agree fee for Huth

By Sam Lyon

Huth has struggled for first-team football at Chelsea

Chelsea defender Robert Huth expects to tie up a move to Middlesbrough by the end of the week, his agent Manfred Schulte told BBC Sport.

Huth, 21, has been linked with a move to Wigan and Everton, but looks headed for Boro after they agreed an undisclosed fee with Chelsea.

Schulte told BBC Sport: "I understand the clubs have reached an agreement.

"We are now working on personal terms and I hope to have that done by Friday, or the weekend at the latest."

Centre-back Huth is with the German national team in Geneva preparing for the World Cup.

It is very important for Robert to play, and we think he will get that chance at Middlesbrough Manfred Schulte

And, having become frustrated at his lack of opportunities under Jose Mourinho, Schulte says Huth is looking forward to establishing himself at the Riverside.

He said: "It is very important for Robert to play and we think he will get that chance at Middlesbrough."

Schulte added that Gareth Southgate's appointment as manager proved to be a big attraction in Huth's decision.

He said: "Of course, Gareth was an established international at centre-half and this is Robert's position.

"It will be good for Robert to work with someone who understands what it takes to be a good defender, to help develop him as a player."

In addition, American international defender Oguchi Onyewu has been on Teesside to discuss a possible move from Standard Liege, while Sporting Lisbon winger Roudolphe Douala could finally complete a £2m switch later this week.