CONTRACT talks with Paul Ince and Robbie Mustoe hold the key to the Middlesbrough future of Frenchman Michael Debeve.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who signed a short-term deal with Boro after arriving from Lens in February, is hoping to win an extended agreement.

But Boro boss Steve McClaren yesterday admitted that protracted negotiations with skipper Ince and Mustoe, as well as attempts to lure £6m target Muzzy Izzet from relegated Leicester, will determine the fate of Debeve.

McClaren said: "The decision on Michael will hinge on other decisions, like who re-signs and who we bring in.

"That's a bit away, but we have been pleased with Michael's contribution and appreciate what he has done."

Debeve has made six appearances for Boro, including a late run-out as a substitute in Saturday's final match of the season at Leeds, but has started only twice in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal at Old Trafford and the reverse at Ipswich last month.

Meanwhile, McClaren is refusing to rule out a move for £6m-rated striker Benni McCarthy, even though the World Cup-bound South African reportedly still fails to meet the strict criteria governing work permits.

Boro were frustrated in a bid to sign McCarthy on loan from Spanish side Celta Vigo last September when their application for a work permit was turned down.

Players must have figured in around 75 per cent of their country's competitive games in the previous two years to qualify for the necessary paperwork, and fresh doubt has now been cast on McCarthy's credentials.

Portuguese giants Porto, with whom he has been on loan, want to make the deal permanent but can't meet Celta's asking price.

That appears to have re-alerted Boro and McClaren insisted: "He played in the African Nations' Cup, so he's a lot better placed now in terms of the criteria.''

* Premiership new boys West Brom are again being linked with a £1m move for Boro attacker Dean Windass.

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