AYEGBENI YAKUBU has not been training with Middlesbrough and has chosen against meeting up with his country while he thrashes out his future.

Nigeria manager Berti Vogts had been expected to see Yakubu in the squad for tonight's friendly with Macedonia in Skopje. However, the in-demand striker has not shown up for the Super Eagles while he awaits a compromise agreement over a fee between Boro and Everton.

For a time earlier this week it had looked as if the whole transfer was in jeopardy because Middlesbrough refused to budge on their asking price for the striker.

But, after a few days of heavy negotiations, an arrangement is understood to be close and it has been suggested a £10.5m fee has been agreed.

Middlesbrough, who are looking to receive £12m for the player, are still hopeful Everton will agree to pay the difference in performance-related add-ons.

Yakubu has now set his sights on a move to Goodison Park and it has emerged that Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate decided to cash in on the player after discussing the matter with senior members of the dressing room.

It is understood that strong words were exchanged in the Middlesbrough dressing room after last Wednesday's defeat at Wigan - a game in which Yakubu turned in one of his worst displays for the club.

Everton are in the driving seat for the player, although there is still a slight possibility that others might make a late attempt to derail the proposed transfer.

West Ham, Portsmouth and Manchester City have been courting Yakubu all summer and any of those clubs could yet make a move for his services.

In Portsmouth's case it has even been suggested they might offer David Nugent - who they only signed for £6m last month - as part of the deal.

Nugent has struggled to make an impact since his £6m switch to Fratton Park from Preston and manager Harry Redknapp could consider selling.

Whatever happens it looks as if the African striker has kicked his last ball in a Boro shirt.

Southgate has also indicated that Jason Euell does not have a future at the Riverside Stadium.

Euell, a signing from Charlton 12 months ago, has now instructed his advisors to seal a move away from Middlesbrough before the transfer window closes in nine days time.

The 30-year-old claims he had no intention of leaving and was shocked by the manager's decision earlier this week.

"Three weeks into pre-season and everything was going well and Gareth told me I was going to be classed as a striker," said Euell. "Then a few weeks later I'm told I'm not part of his plans, which is a huge turnaround.

"I have not made the first 16 for the first few games and I have been the 17th man, which I did not expect really. There is a bit of interest and I have to look at that for my own future.

"I don't think a loan is an option, but the transfer window closing is not too far away now so realistically I hope it will be resolved in the next week or so."

Whatever finances raised by Southgate will be pumped back into the squad, with two new defenders on the agenda as well as a replacement for Yakubu.

With no return date set on Robert Huth's comeback, Boro welcome news that Jonathan Woodgate should be fit for Birmingham's visit on September 1.

Woodgate joined in full training for the first time this week, and Southgate said: "Birmingham is a possibility and he has that as a target. It would be great if he is available for then.

"But David Wheater and Chris Riggott have done really well. I'm pleased for Chris because he has missed a lot of football and David has had a chance to make a name for himself.