Dortmund's Subotic out long term with rib injury

On the verge of a move to Middlebrough, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic is staying put after a medical with the North Yorkshire side revealed a rib injury.

Reports surfaced Wednesday that discussions between the Premier League returnees and Subotic had dissolved after the Serbian international failed a medical. Subotic's agent, Frieder Gamm, was quick to dispel such speculation, though Dortmund confirmed the news with a statement on Twitter.

Related - Report: Subotic talks with Middlesbrough dissolve

"Bad news for Neven Subotic. A specialist has found out that the Borussia Dortmund defender needs surgery on his ribs," the statement reads.

"He will miss the rest of the year and will therefore not be any transfer for him during this period."

Tough break for Subotic, 27, as he's been hampered by a slew of injuries over the last two seasons. Once the first-choice pairing alongside Mats Hummels, Subotic has played only six times in the Bundesliga over the last two campaigns because of various ailments.