Post by dru on Mar 31, 2007 9:41:16 GMT 10
from www.smh.com.au
Middlesbrough table bid for Viduka
Email Print Normal font Large font March 30, 2007 - 9:24PM
Middlesbrough has tabled its long-awaited bid to retain Mark Viduka, with the Socceroo striker asking for time to think through the offer.
Viduka, who has been in career-best form this season, will be out of contract in the northern summer and is also reportedly the subject of interest from leading Italian clubs as well as others in the English Premier League.
"We've had discussions with Mark and with his representatives, and he obviously wants time to think about things," Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate said.
"I'm sure he'll have other options available to him, not just here but across Europe.
"He has to think about things and I respect that.
"He's been a very important player to us this season, and we've left him in no uncertain terms that we'd love him to be here next year."
Boro's capacity to retain 31-year-old Viduka is partly dependent on how much the club chooses to bid for central defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate has had an excellent season on loan at the Riverside, but his loan period is up at season's end when he is due to return to Real Madrid.
However Boro is considering a transfer offer to secure Woodgate as a contracted player.
Middlesbrough table bid for Viduka
Email Print Normal font Large font March 30, 2007 - 9:24PM
Middlesbrough has tabled its long-awaited bid to retain Mark Viduka, with the Socceroo striker asking for time to think through the offer.
Viduka, who has been in career-best form this season, will be out of contract in the northern summer and is also reportedly the subject of interest from leading Italian clubs as well as others in the English Premier League.
"We've had discussions with Mark and with his representatives, and he obviously wants time to think about things," Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate said.
"I'm sure he'll have other options available to him, not just here but across Europe.
"He has to think about things and I respect that.
"He's been a very important player to us this season, and we've left him in no uncertain terms that we'd love him to be here next year."
Boro's capacity to retain 31-year-old Viduka is partly dependent on how much the club chooses to bid for central defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate has had an excellent season on loan at the Riverside, but his loan period is up at season's end when he is due to return to Real Madrid.
However Boro is considering a transfer offer to secure Woodgate as a contracted player.