Middlesbrough FC

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Bates reveals Boro situation

17 Mar 2009 - 11:29:11

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Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates has revealed he has yet to agree a new contract with the Teessiders.

Bates, 22, is out of contract at the Riverside Stadium in the summer and his situation is believed to have been monitored by a host of other Premier League clubs.

The versatile youngster is currently holding down a midfield berth in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up after bouncing back from a series of serious knee injuries.

But despite revealing the club have held preliminary talks over a new deal, Bates has confirmed he has yet to get anywhere near putting pen to paper.

Reports over the weekend had suggested a three-year deal had been agreed.

"There have been talks. The club has made contact," he told the Northern Echo. "But I'm just pleased to be playing again after all my injury troubles.

"I don't want any distractions and I just want to keep playing until the end of the season."