MARK VIDUKA has indicated he will inform Middlesbrough of his contract intentions within the next two weeks, but claims he has one of the biggest decisions of his life to make.

The Aussie striker, who signed off on what could be his Boro swansong with two stunning goals in Sunday's win over Fulham, is due to meet up with the Australian squad ahead of their June warm-up games for the Asia Cup, which start in July.

But first the club's 19-goal leading scorer has suggested he will let manager Gareth Southgate know whether he will be signing a new deal at the Riverside.

Newcastle United, Portsmouth and West Ham, among others, are attempting to persuade him to move away from Teesside on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month.

But Middlesbrough are trying to remain hopeful that Viduka will accept the offer of a £40,000-a-week two-year extension.

The 31-year-old, however, knows he can earn at least a further 50 per cent by moving on, although he indicated he has no desire to uproot his family from his North Yorkshire home.

"I am a Libran and we like to procrastinate. That's what we do. We don't necessarily sit on the fence, but we like to chill and see how things pan out," said Viduka, who scored 16 goals in his last 22 matches.

"This is a very important decision for me at my age. It will be my last real contract so it has to be the right one. I have got to decide what is the best thing for me and my family.

"I have two choices, to stay or to try something new. I have lived in the same house for seven years and I love where I live, I am completely settled there and that will be a big factor.

"The negotiations have been very good but whether we come to an agreement remains to be seen."

Viduka was given a standing ovation from the Middlesbrough supporters when he was substituted in the closing stages of Sunday's 3-1 win - the same fans made their feelings known by directing chants of 'sign him up' to the Boro hierarchy.

But the 31-year-old, 32 in October, has not been completely swayed by the backing he has received from the majority of the Teesside public.

Instead, with most of his negotiating being carried out by his agent, Viduka is keeping his options open.

"We are still in talks. I think the situation has to be right for myself and for the club," he said. "I don't think the club wants to make too much of a commitment so both sides have to get it right.

"The reception I got at the end when we walked around the pitch was very special and I was moved by that. The fact they appreciate the way I play football means a lot to me.

"Everyone knows their worth and that is one of the things we are negotiating. I don't know all the options available to me and the season has just finished so I have concentrated most of my efforts on getting goals and doing my job.

"We will see what happens in the next few days, but it has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and I haven't come down on one side or the other yet."

Since the turn of the year, as Viduka's contractual situation gradually became more and more of a concern, the former Celtic and Leeds striker identified Boro's ambition - or lack of it - as an important factor.

The acquisition of Jonathan Woodgate for £7m from Real Madrid was a major step in the right direction.

But Viduka still feels plenty of work needs to be done if they are to improve on their lowly 12th place finish.

"Players like myself, Mark Schwarzer, Jonathan Woodgate and Stewart Downing all want to play at the very highest level," said Viduka, a £4.5m signing from Leeds in the summer of 2004.

"We want to experience those nights we had in Europe and competing for trophies is what all players love doing. That is what I want, not fighting in mid-table."

In allowing Stuart Parnaby, Abel Xavier and Malcolm Christie to leave this summer, Southgate has already started to put the wheels in motion for a summer of change.

And Boro are closing in on Hibernian's attacking midfielder Scott Brown.

Brown, also wanted by Celtic and Rangers, is expected to leave this summer and there have been discussions over a fee.

Meanwhile, Abel Xavier has signed an 18-month contract to join David Beckham at LA Galaxy next season.