But the Teessiders do not expect any deal to be completed until next week.

A spokesman said: "Boro have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Wigan Athletic for the transfer of Lee Cattermole.

"The 20-year-old midfielder has been given permission to talk to Wigan, discuss personal terms and have a medical.

"No further news is expected until next week."

Cattermole was withdrawn from the squad for Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Celtic in Portugal after Wigan tabled their improved offer.

Latics had their original £2.5million offer rejected by the Teesside club last week but Bruce has upped his bid to £3.5million

Boro boss Gareth Southgate has already stated he would not stand in Cattermole's way as he cannot guarantee the youngster first-team football.

"We've had a revised offer from Wigan and we felt that he was probably not in the right frame of mind to play [against Celtic]," said Southgate.

"It's not a done deal but the offer gives us something to consider and we thought for all parties it was best for him not to play.

"It's not agreed, but it's pretty close to what we're looking for. He's still our player and with us on the trip but something could happen in the next 24 hours."

Stockton-born Cattermole emerged as a precocious teenager in January 2006 when he made his first senior start in a 2-2 derby draw at Newcastle.

He was used as a substitute in the UEFA Cup final later that season in what was Steve McClaren's last game in charge, but has struggled to establish himself in the team under his successor.

With Julio Arca, Fabio Rochemback and George Boateng also vying for central midfield berths last season, Cattermole found himself at times playing out of position.

Of his 28 appearances last season, 14 were made from the bench, and with the arrival of Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes this summer, it appeared his opportunities would be even more limited.

Should the player agree to move, the deal would represent another success for the club's academy which brought the local youngster through the ranks.