Boro in discussions on Boksic future

Middlesbrough are in discussions with Croatian striker Alen Boksic over his future – but maintain he has not quit the club.

Boksic’s contract with Boro had been due to expire at the end of the season anyway, but it is has been suggested he has already agreed to an early end to the deal.

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb revealed to www.mfc.co.uk: “I think Alen’s time with Middlesbrough is coming to an end but it hasn’t ended yet.

“His contract expires on June 30 and he is still a Middlesbrough player. He is still registered with us and yes, we’ve had discussions about his future.

“Those talks are still ongoing and haven’t been resolved yet, but when they are we will make a formal announcement.”

Boksic, now 33, joined Boro for £2m from Lazio in August 2000 and was an instant hit on Teesside.

The striker played for his country in last summer’s World Cup finals in Japan and Korea but has netted just two goals in 19 appearances this season.

Boss Steve McClaren added: “He is injured at the moment.

“We’ve allowed him to go back to Croatia and private discussions are being negotiated.

“We’re not trying to hide things, we’re in discussions with him over the remainder of his contract.

“But that is a private matter, something which we don’t want to discuss in public.”