The mass exodus at Middlesbrough is expected to start in earnest with reports suggesting that Adam Johnson is interesting Chelsea, Aston Villa have opened talks over Stewart Downing and Tuncay and flop Afonso Alves could be heading for Benfica.

According to the Daily Mail, the four players in question will be joined by Egypt international Mido in heading for the exit door at The Riverside this summer as Boro boss Gareth Southgate looks to cut the club's wage bill following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Mido, 26, has also angered the management staff at the club after failing to return to the club's Rockliffe Park training HQ for the start of pre-season training on Monday and now looks certain to have played his last game for the Teesiders.

Meanwhile, it is believed that new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is interested in Johnson after receiving a glowing report on the England Under-21 winger from the Blues' sporting director Frank Arnesen.

Mindful of the need for more homegrown players in their UEFA Champions League squad, Ancelotti believes Johnson could provide useful cover on either flank and is understood to be considering a bid of around £8million for the 21-year-old

The Daily Mail is also reporting that Aston Villa have held tentative discussions with Boro over winger Downing and Turkey striker Tuncay, although the Championship outfit's valuation of £20million for the duo is proving to be a sticking point.

Tuncay's availability is also being monitored by Everton while Tottenham remain long-term admirers of Downing.

Alves, who cost Boro a club record £12.7million when he signed from Dutch side Heerenveen in January 2008 and scored just four league goals last season, looks to be on his way to Portuguese giants Benfica with a £4million deal being mooted.