Boro supremo involved in Viduka talks

The 31-year-old striker, who's contract expires at the end of the month, returned to his homeland this week. He will represent his country in the Asian Cup later this summer, but in the meantime, continues to mull over the contract extension he has been offered at the Riverside Stadium.

Chief executive Keith Lamb said: "I spoke to Mark after the (Fulham) game, while Steve Gibson spoke to him on the phone on Monday morning, so he knows how much he is wanted here. There is no doubt that Steve speaking directly to Mark and telling him how much we want him to stay will have an influence on him."

He added: "How much? Only time will tell, though I do know that Mark has great respect for Steve."

Manager Gareth Southgate has refused to put any pressure on Viduka to make a decision, but acknowledges the longer he has to wait for an answer, the more options the striker will have.

He admitted at the weekend he hopes to hear over the next 10 days or so, although he cannot begin his rebuilding work in earnest until he knows whether or not he has to replace this season's top scorer with 19 goals.

Lamb told the club's website, www.mfc.co.uk: "Mark knows our position and that everyone involved with the football club wants him to stay, including the club's supporters.

"The fans could not have made it clearer to him what they think during and after our final game against Fulham . They sang, 'Sign him on'. We want to sign him on.

"Mark has told Steve Gibson, Gareth Southgate and myself he is settled here and he wants to stay.

"He is playing well enough to attract interest from other clubs and he will maybe want to listen to other offers. We understand that. Mark has to weigh up all of his options."