GARETH SOUTHGATE had a triple reason to celebrate yesterday after versatile defender- cum-midfielder Matthew Bates agreed terms on a new three year deal.

With Bates equally comfortable at right-back, centre half or defensive midfield, the manager was relishing the prospect of having the multitalented 22-year-old at his disposal next season.

Bates is currently on holiday but on his return to the North East will put pen to paper on a contract extension until June 2012.

Middlesbrough now hope David Wheater and Adam Johnson will follow Bates’ lead and commit themselves to Boro’s battle for promotion from the Championship.

After being the subject of interest from West Ham United and Wigan, Stockton-born Bates has delighted Southgate by extending his spell with the club he supported as a schoolboy.

The announcement represented a major coup for the Boro manager who is determined to build next season’s promotion challenge around the club’s home grown talent.

“We want the heartbeat of the club to be local boys and we feel that the likes of Matthew and David Wheater can be the backbone of the side, along with others like Brad Jones who also came through the club’s Academy,” said Southgate.

“Everyone at the club is delighted Matthew has agreed to stay. He is a local lad and his heart is with the club.”

Bates, right, whose preferred position is central defence, impressed in a midfield holding role last season where his 18 appearances alerted a number of clubs to his potential availability this summer.

No firm bids had been received by Middlesbrough but Gianfranco Zola was leading the chase to offer Bates a chance to extend his spell in the Premier League.

Southgate revealed he’s not decided which position Bates will start next season: “I’m open-minded about it and so is he. One of the advantages of being able to keep him is Matthew’s versatility, and I’m sure that’s what helped attract interest in him from other clubs too,” said Southgate. “There is no question he can be a very good right-back, he has already shown us he can play in midfield, while his primary position before his injuries was centrehalf.”

Boro are now dampening down interest from top flight clubs keen to recruit Wheater and Johnson.

Aston Villa are preparing a £9m cash plus player bid for Wheater after identifying him as a potential replacement for centre back Martin Laursen who was forced to retire last season.

And Burnley are willing to offer £4m for England Under 21 international Johnson whose contract expires next summer.