THE clock was ticking on Geremi's Middlesbrough career last night as the Riverside derby hero confirmed he has not discussed a permanent move to Teesside.

With just two months to go before Geremi's season-long loan spell from Real Madrid expires, Boro have not told the midfielder that he is wanted next season.

And as the 24-year-old's return to the Spanish capital edges closer, so the prospect of Middlesbrough launching an ambitious bid for his services recedes still further.

Geremi made a startling impact in the first half of the season to lift Boro into contention for a UEFA Cup place, but as the team slipped down the table so his form tailed off. He said: "I'm not thinking about my future and what I'm going to do in the summer.

"We haven't decided what will happen at the end of the season. Steve McClaren knows my situation but I've not spoken to him yet.

"I'll just keeping playing and we'll see what happens in the summer. It's down to Madrid and Middlesbrough to sort things out, and in the meantime I will keep playing. I am a Madrid player, and after this season I have to go back because I have two years left on my contract there."

McClaren was similarly non-committal about the possibility of recruiting Geremi on a long-term basis after the player's encouraging start to his Middlesbrough career.

The Boro boss said: "Nothing will be decided about Geremi until the end of the season, but he has shown what a terrific player he is.

"He's made a big contribution and he's now our joint top scorer this season with six goals."

After guaranteeing himself legendary status at Middlesbrough with the match-winner against Newcastle United on Wednesday, Geremi made clear his satisfaction with life on Teesside.

He has scored six goals this season - the same number as £8.15m striker Massimo Maccarone - and has become a popular figure among the Boro faithful.

The Cameroon international added: "It's important to any player that the fans like you, and I'm enjoying it here.

"I was not playing at Madrid, which is why I decided to come to the Premiership, and everything is going well for me.

"I didn't expect to do so well. Before I came here, I knew the English League was hard, and I'm happy for myself with the way things have gone."

Meanwhile, Juninho was undergoing treatment last night after he was subjected to a physical battering by Newcastle.

The 29-year-old suffered a twisted ankle and was also suffering from bumps and bruises after making his first League start since recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury. McClaren said: "Juninho did well to last 90 minutes, considering he'd only played 45 minutes of Premiership football before Wednesday."

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