Viduka resigned to Boro depature

Posted on 16th January 2007

Middlesbrough player Mark Viduka could be set to leave the club at the end of the season or at the end of the month. This is unless Middlesbrough can come up with a new contract. The Socceroos skipper is a man in demand during the current transfer window, with Premiership rivals West Ham and Newcastle reportedly interested in his services, along with Italian clubs Juventus and Genoa.

Viduka is in good form for Middlesbrough however the club has yet to offer him an extension. “We have not been made an offer of any kind by Boro. For that reason Mark is resigned to leaving this month or in the summer,” Viduka’s agent Steve Kutner said.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has spoken glowingly of Viduka in recent times, but Boro must choose between retaining Viduka or saving money on his undoubtedly high wages. Viduka’s anxiety over his future would not have been helped by news that Boro is about to sign South Korean striker Lee Dong-gook. Meanwhile Liverpool and Blackburn were reportedly closing in on clinching a deal that will see Socceroo defender move to Anfield, with Liverpool's fringe defender Stephen Warnock going in the opposite direction.

Earlier Middlesbrough news

Boateng unlikely to figure in Hull clash
Away win a long time in coming says Southgate
Boro need to take their chances says Slaven
Riggott ready to battle
Middlesbrough interested in pair
Boro hopeful of cup run but Hull confident
Forwards can ease Boro away
Southgate wants Viduka to stay
Southgate delighted at character shown
We must win the battle first says Cattermole
Viduka wants to stay
Boro will come good insists Viduka
Friendship on the backburner
Uneasy relationship draws to a close
Sporting Lisbon more than keen on Rochemback