Manchester City have rejected suggestions they have given Sylvain Distin permission to talk to Middlesbrough over a potential move to the Riverside.

Distin has yet to sign a contract extension with City and with his present deal due to expire next summer, the Blues know they risk losing the 29-year-old for nothing in 12 months. However, despite apparent interest from the Teesside club, Blues officials expect Distin to be among their travelling party which heads to China on Tuesday for a two-match trip.

"Sylvain has not been given permission to speak to any club and he will be travelling with us to China," said a City spokesman.