MIDDLESBROUGH boss Bryan Robson is ready to launch a search for a new goalkeeper following Ben Roberts' decision to quit the Riverside Stadium.

Bishop Auckland-born Roberts has turned down a new three-year contract and is now available on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

Robson last night confirmed: "I offered Ben a three-year deal and he's decided to let his contract run out, so he's a free agent.''

The departure of 25-year-old Roberts means Boro have only two keepers with senior experience - Mark Schwarzer and Marlon Beresford.

Roberts conceded the quickest goal in Wembley FA Cup final history - Roberto Di Matteo's 43-second strike for Chelsea in the 2-0 win over Boro three years ago.

Liverpool have been linked with Roberts, who could interest Bradford City.

The Bantams look set to lose Matt Clarke following a £1.5m approach from Newcastle United, and Roberts had a loan spell at Valley Parade three seasons ago.

Robson is "hopeful'' of persuading Beresford to tie himself to Teesside for the next three years.

The Boro boss said: "I'm speaking to Marlon about a new contract, but he's got two years left on his current deal and I'm hopeful that he'll sign an extension to that.''

Robson, meanwhile, is today set to learn whether Chelsea striker Chris Sutton is joining Boro in a £6m deal.

Sutton has also spoken to Celtic, who matched Boro's offer. "There's nothing to report on the matter at the moment,'' said Robson.

"I've spoken to Chris and it's a matter of him coming back to the parties concerned.''

New Celtic boss Martin O'Neill yesterday made a flying visit to Parkhead to meet his players for the first time before returning to Holland to continue working as a BBC TV pundit at Euro 2000.

But he is due to fly back to Glasgow today and will be hoping to parade Sutton as his first signing.

Sutton's agent, John Viola, said yesterday: "Chris has not made up his mind yet and maybe tomorrow he will make his decision. He is still weighing up the options and it's a decision for the player and his wife to make.''

Whether Sutton opts for Boro or not, Robson has underlined his determination to hold on to striker Brian Deane by rejecting a £2m bid from Blackburn Rovers.

Ewood Park boss and former Boro favourite Graeme Souness made an improved offer for 32-year-old Deane, but Robson stressed: "We don't want Brian to leave.''

Souness said: "We're interested in Brian but we're interested in others as well.''

l BORO last night escaped punishment despite being found guilty of failing to control their players following an incident during the Premiership clash with Manchester United on Monday, April 10.

An FA commission heard that several Boro players had confronted an assistant referee after United's fourth goal, two minutes from time, in the visitors' 4-3 win at the Riverside.

Boro, represented by chief executive Keith Lamb, denied the charge at the hearing in Birmingham, but the club were found guilty after video evidence was viewed.

Boro were warned about their future conduct.

In not imposing a fine, the commission took into account evidence that club officials, including manager Bryan Robson, had acted swiftly to stop the players' dissent.