Pogatetz in Boro contract talks

Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz has opened talks with the club regarding a contract extension.

Although the Austria international defender has another two years remaining on his present deal, both Boro and the player are eager to cement their relationship.

The 25-year-old, who has been at the club three years, said: “We’ve been talking about it (a contract) for a short period now.

“I have said I really want to be here as long as possible and there are signals from the club they want to keep me here, so I think we will reach an agreement.

“I don’t know when, but it looks very good. There’s no pressure.”

Pogatetz could not be happier with life on Teesside where he and his family are settled.

“I enjoy playing for the club,” Pogatetz told the Evening Gazette.

“I always enjoy going to work. It’s important for me that my family are settled. I really want to be here. I hope I can achieve some great things with the team – that’s my dream.”