Read more about Middlesbrough.
Defender race hots up
Middlesbrough, 11:21, June 17, 2009 ,
West Ham face a battle to sign defender Mathew Bates with Middlesbrough desperate to keep him and Everton and Sunderland on his trail.
The Hammers are believed to have made an approach for the 22-year-old defender who is out of contract this summer and therefore can move on for a nominal fee. Everton boss David Moyes is also keen and can offer European football as a lure whilst Sunderland would mean he would be able to stay in the north east.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate though is determined to keep the player, "One of my priorities is trying to get Matthew to re-sign for the club. In fact, if we can convince him to stay, I would see him as a key signing," said Southgate.
"He has got the right drive, mentality and attitude, the sort of qualities that I want my players to have, plus the football he played for us during the final weeks of the season was enough to make me feel he can have a real impact for us next season.
"I've been impressed with him and I'd like him to stay here. I've had some good discussions with Matthew and with his agent and I think he would like to stay if everything felt right.
"I know he wants to be a leader wherever he plays his football and I think he can fulfil that desire with us. He certainly has excellent leadership qualities.
"Of course he'd like to play Premier League football - and rightly so - but he would also like to help us get back to the Premier League.
"I think ideally he'd like to stay, but I'm not taking anything for granted at this stage."