PROMISING teenage striker Ajay Matthews has signed a new long-term contract at Middlesbrough, ending the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Homegrown talent Matthews was linked with the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Newcastle and Southampton over the summer with his previous contract having been due to expire at the end of this season.

But an agreement has now been reached, to the delight of all parties, and the talented 18-year-old England youth international has committed his future to the club until 2027.

Matthews made two first team appearances at the end of last season after impressing in the youth ranks.

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His first team opportunity came after a run of five goals and three assists in seven games for the Under-18s and four goals and two assists in 12 outings for the Under-21s. He's played three times for Mark Tinkler's Under-21s in the early stages of the current Premier League 2 campaign, scoring once.

His first team debut came against Leeds - for whom his dad, Lee, played for in the Premier League 26 years ago.

Matthews Snr was an England youth international who came off the bench to replace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he made his Premier League debut with Leeds. He later played for Bristol City, Port Vale, Crewe and Livingston but was forced to retire at 28 through injury. He has since established himself as a leading and well respected agent.

Matthews owns Sports Management International, whose stable of players includes Hayden Hackney, Sol Brynn and Ben Gibson.