Viduka to start talks with Boro

Middlesbrough will sit down with striker Mark Viduka next month in a bid to agree a new deal – amid continuing speculation that his future lies away from the Riverside Stadium.

The 31-year-old’s agent, Steve Kutner, was today quoted saying the Australian international – who is in the final few months of his existing contract – could leave in the next fortnight because no offer has yet been made.