Middlesbrough rejected summer offers from Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Derby for midfielder Grant Leadbitter, according to reports in The Northern Echo.

The 31-year-old has been used sparingly by boss Garry Monk in Boro’s first five games of the season, playing just six minutes of the club’s victory over Sheffield United, but impressive displays in the Carabao Cup have ensured that Leadbitter remains a component in the former Leeds manager’s squad.

The summer arrivals of Jonny Howson and Lewis Baker have pushed Leadbitter down the pecking order at the Riverside Stadium, although the player will certainly be called upon in the absence of the pair, or fellow middle men Adam Forshaw and Adam Clayton.

With just a year remaining on his contract and his playing time limited, interest in the player grew towards the closing stages of the window, but Monk remained resolute in his desire to keep Leadbitter in the north east.

Middlesbrough travel to Monk this weekend, with Leadbitter expected to make the match day squad once more, but likely to continue to warm the bench.

The Verdict: Leadbitter is a fantastic professional who will certainly bide his time at the club this season, with opportunities sure to materialise as the inevitable threat of injuries, suspensions, and fatigue begins to take hold.

The experienced midfielder still has what it takes to perform at this level, and despite Monk splashing the cash this summer as he attempts to guide Boro to an instant return to the Premier League, his insistence on keeping a player of Leadbitter's experience and quality in the squad is a true testament to the man’s ability.

Squad depth is key to a title challenge in the gruelling demands of a 46-game calendar, and Leadbitter will certainly rotate in in the near future, playing his role in the Teessiders’ promotion push.

Boro fans, do you think Leadbitter has done enough to earn a starting spot this weekend?