The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer this summer after being released by Aston Villa at the end of last season and the midfielder claims eight teams are interested in him. He has previously spoken of his admiration for Derby and Sheffield United and enjoyed a successful loan spell at Stoke last term, but has revealed his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate is the latest manager to enquire about his services. He told the News of the World: "Middlesbrough are the latest club to make an enquiry - there has been interest from eight. "I know Gareth well and admit it would be very tempting. "I'd like to stay in the Premiership and think I can still do a job here. "I hope to get a deal done with someone soon."