DEAN WHITEHEAD has been told he can find a new club after Aitor Karanka could not promise him first team football at Middlesbrough next season.

Karanka, who has delayed making a decision on whether to turn Jelle Vossen’s loan move in to a permanent arrangement, was quick to explain the situation to Whitehead after Monday’s defeat in the Championship play-off final.

The former Sunderland skipper had hoped to extend his stay at the Riverside but is now looking for a new challenge after his time on Teesside was up.

Karanka said: “I was speaking with Deano and I told him that it was amazing to work with him because as an experienced player he helped me a lot, especially when I came here.

“I told him that it was going to be better to say thanks and no more because he needs to play – he deserves to play and I can’t guarantee that he will play here.

“He’s experienced, he understood perfectly and he deserves to finish his career playing as many games as possible so I just want to say thanks to him.”

Vossen, who has claimed he would like to return to Boro, will now get married on Saturday and it will be after his holiday when a firm decision will be made.

The Belgian striker scored nine goals during his season long loan from Genk and Middlesbrough have an option to buy.

Karanka, speaking to the club's website, said: “I don’t know at the moment with Jelle because I have to analyse other things before that. When I start to think about players for next season I can make a decision.”