MARK VIDUKA last night signalled his intention to stay in the Premiership - even if it is not with Middlesbrough.
Viduka, on what could be his last appearance for Boro, inspired Gareth Southgate's men to end the season on a high with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Fulham and he scored two stunning goals.
It was the type of performance which reminded everyone on Teesside of his worth and he remains in talks over extending his stay.
However, he has numerous options to consider his availability on a free transfer this summer means he is potentially one of the bargains of the summer.
A move to Italian outfit Genoa has been mooted, but the Harrogate-based striker is looking much closer to home.
Newcastle United, who are expected to announce Sam Allardyce as their next manager within the next few days, are one of the leading contenders for his signature while Portsmouth were credited with an interest in him earlier this week.
AS Monaco are also known to be interested but the former Leeds player, after signing off in style yesterday and applauding the fans who urged him to 'sign up', is only interested in staying in North Yorkshire.
"I would definitely prefer to stay in England and I'm negotiating on that basis," said the Australian, after finishing with 19 goals in 28 starts for Middlesbrough this season. "Whether we can come to an agreement remains to be seen."
Given his experience, ability to hold up play and his eye for a goal, it would be strange if a couple of this country's top four clubs have not considered him on a free transfer.
And manager Gareth Southgate, who admits the club have made him an offer and that it remains on the table, expects to learn within the next couple of weeks whether Viduka will be at Boro for the long term.
"Viduka has been a massive player for us," said Southgate, who is looking to bring in numerous players without necessarily spending masses of cash. "With his leadership, the team look to him and his overall contribution is so important.
"Hopefully he knows just how much everyone wants him to stay. It certainly looks like he is enjoying his football and that is very important.
"He will have a think about things and I hope to know in the next ten days. Everyone loves to be loved, and he is loved here.
"He needs to see that the team is ambitious. Once a player goes into the last year, he has time to think about things and consider his options."
Viduka's brace against Fulham - one in each half - contributed to the win over Fulham which ensured Southgate's first year in charge ended with Middlesbrough finishing two positions higher than they did in Steve McClaren's final term, and with one more point.
But given it took until the penultimate game of the season at Wigan to preserve Premiership status he knows there is plenty work still to be done.
Southgate said: "It was all about attitude against Fulham and we knew if we started well, it was going to be a good game for us. We could have been out of sight by half-time and I'm delighted with the chances we created. We drove forward and kept going, it was a good performance."
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