Boro manager Gareth Southgate is a big admirer of the midfielder,  but the Blades want at least £2m for Quinn, above, and manager Kevin Blackwell says he will not sell anyone unless the deal is right for the Championship club. 

Blackwell said: “We don’t have to let anyone go, but if anyone does go it will be on our terms.”

Middlesbrough are keen to strengthen their squad in a bid to avoid another flirt with relegation next season.

But having failed to secure England Under-21 winger Michael Knightly from Wolves in a £4m deal, they are now targeting Heerenveen’s Michael Bradley, who is also wanted by Everton.