Middlesbrough captain Matthew Bates believes the squad would not begrudge defender David Wheater a move to a Premier League club in January.Wheater, 23, is out of contract in the summer and has already been the subject of reported interest from top-flight clubs this season.
"There's nobody in the club who doesn't want him to stay," Bates told BBC Tees.
"But everyone wants to see everyone do well and, like the manager says, his ability is at Premier League level."
Redcar-born Wheater has been a regular fixture in the Middlesbrough first-team, missing just two Championship matches under Gordon Strachan and Tony Mowbray's management.
"It's the situation he finds himself in. Does he stay here and gamble to get us out of the division, or leave here and go to the Premier League?" Bates continued.
"It would be a difficult decision for him and his family, so fingers crossed he stays."
Meanwhile another player linked with a move away from the Riverside is former captain Gary O'Neil, who joined Middlesbrough from Portsmouth for £5m in August 2007.
The 27-year-old has made more than 100 league appearances for the Teessiders, despite suffering a string of troublesome knee and groin injuries, and has recently been the focus of media speculation regarding his future.
"There has been a lot of speculation, and people wondering about their futures," said Bates.
"Gary runs more than anyone in the game, and he's been one of our best players. It's a credit to his attitude.
"He's been at this club a long time now and I think it's in his heart. It hurts him to see where we are in the table.
"It's great to see him giving 100% still and it's a credit to his professionalism."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport