Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Boro seek Schwarzer deal

22 Feb 2008 - 08:21:08

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Suthgate remains hopeful that veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will agree a new contract with the Teessiders.

The 35-year-old Australia international's current deal runs out at the end of the season and Schwarzer was unwilling to discuss a new contract earlier on in the campaign.

Southgate commented: "Mark's contract is up in the summer, but it's one of those situations where he is playing so well you don't want to upset things.

"But it is a situation I am conscious of. He didn't want to talk about it until January at the earliest.

"I have got a very good relationship with him, but I need to talk to him and see what his thoughts are as much as anything."

Meanwhile, rising star David Wheater is close to signing a long-term deal with Boro, the 21-year-old centre-back having become a first-team regular this season.

Southgate added: "We are very close. I wouldn't want to put a timescale on it, but certainly all the talks have been very positive.

"David has said both privately and publicly that he wants to be here and we are hoping to make progress very soon."