Southgate explains Yakubu's exit

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has explained why Nigeria striker Yakubu was sold to Everton for £11.25m before the transfer window closed.

Southgate pointed to a poor showing in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan on 15 August.

"Emotionally, he was struggling, and that performance at Wigan was below his own standards," the Boro boss told a BBC Tees fans' forum.

"When a player is unsettled to that point, it's time to get the best possible deal for the club."

He added: "That process was ongoing before the Wigan game - we decided not to take him to Fulham, and I think the team responded because of that.

"No one player is more important than a football club."