The Screamer - It's the talk of football

Williams, in contract talks with Bentley's camp, will spend the summer fending off offers for the 23-year-old and said: "We're a good club in the top half of the league but I suppose how long we can hold on to certain players remains to be seen.

"David signed a new contract a year ago, but needs a new one."

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Gareth Southgate has warned the FA that he will instruct his Middlesbrough players to abandon their respect policy towards officials if his side continue, as he feels, to be victimised.

Southgate's fury was brought to a head when Jeremie Aliadiere's three-game ban for being sent off at Liverpool was increased to four because of a 'frivolous' appeal.

But his anger runs deeper, given that he has implemented a policy of not haranguing referees to set a good example.

He has still watched his side pick up 77 bookings this term, because he feels they are not one of the more high-profile clubs.

Southgate said: "For me in society generally, there's a lack of respect for officials so we've got to set some sort of example.

"But it could put us at a disadvantage because there are certain places and certain people that referees feel under more pressure from.

"Maybe subconsciously they think that Middlesbrough won't kick up a fuss so there'll be no comeback if we make that decision.

"We have thought to ourselves, perhaps we should forget what we're trying to do and just be critical like everyone else because it doesn't seem to be doing us any favours. Would we get more decisions if we did?

"I'd be sad if that was the case and I still don't think it'd be the right thing to do but we're in a professional results-driven game."

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Sunderland's transfer-listed winger Ross Wallace is wanted by Major League Soccer side Toronto.

Toronto general manager Mo Johnston, the former Rangers and Celtic striker, and new boss John Carver have already signed former Sunderland players Danny Dichio, Carl Robinson and Andy Welsh and now want Wallace, who was placed on the transfer list by Roy Keane in January.

The 22-year-old was put on the list despite playing in the majority of Sunderland's league games.

Wallace is currently out with damaged knee ligaments but has been making good progress and could be fit in time for the MLS kick-off next month.