Leeds aim to beat Boro and Ipswich to sign Paul Green this week

Middlesbrough and Ipswich also chasing the Republic of Ireland international, who has signalled a move after refusing to sign a new deal with Derby.

He said: “Hopefully something will be sorted by the back end of the week.” Green added he was looking for a “fresh challenge” after four seasons at Derby.

He underwent cruciate ligament surgery last year and made 30 appearances for Derby this season.

He said: “I sat down with my family and discussed it and came to the decision that it was time for a change.”

Green has more than 400 senior appearances to his name and is one of five players named on standby by Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni for Euro 2012.