VICKERS ADMITS PALACE DEAL LOOKS DEAD

The 34-year-old is out-of-favour at The Riverside having not featured for them this season and Boro boss Steve McClaren is thought to be prepared to offload him.

The confusion surrounding Eagles boss Steve Bruce's future at Selhurst Park has all but put pay to Vickers' hopes of a move to South London.

The former Tranmere Rovers ace had enjoyed a successful loan spell at Palace and Bruce was keen to make his move permanent, but with Bruce looking to leave for Birmingham City Vickers knows the deal is deal.

Vickers is hopeful that the wrangle between Bruce and Palace can be resolved and he admitted that he would interested in joining Bruce at St Andrews if he does eventually get his wish to move to The Blues.

"I would certainly think about a move to Birmingham City if I had a chance," said Vickers.

"I enjoyed my loan spell at Crystal Palace but it looks as though a Palace move is off for good.

"It is a pity it did not work out with Palace. I left there on a high but I am now in limbo at Middlesbrough."