IT'S been the longest running off-field story at Boro for years and there appears little sign of a swift conclusion to Mark Viduka's contract situation.

The 31-year-old becomes a free agent next month and despite on-going talks between the club and the player there appears little sign of an imminent conclusion.

As negotiation techniques go, Viduka's record since the turn of year year - 11 goals in 17 games - can hardly be criticised, and the fans made their opinions clear with a chorus of "sign him up" when he was substituted in the 89th minute after two goals and an assist.

The player himself wants assurances over the future direction of the club and despite wanting to stay admits he still doesn't know where he'll be next season.

"I think everyone would love to see this club taking that next step up," said Viduka.

"We need to get some more good players coming in because all the good teams who are up there consistently have back-up players as well when there are injuries.

"I think everybody in the dressing room wants to go to that next level as well. I would like to see things being done. Obviously we've got really good facilities but I think the club needs to have faith in Gareth and help him to buy the players he thinks are good.

"Last year was difficult because Gareth came straight from playing in the UEFA Cup Final and he has to start buying players and it would have been very difficult for him to do that. Now he's had a full season under his belt as a manager, I think everybody would like to see the club going forward in terms of the next level."

Southgate, himself, however, issued a note of caution with the Middlesbrough manager believing Arsenal's one-year deal policy for over-30s was just about right.

As role models go Arsene Wenger isn't the worse Southgate could choose as part of his long-term plan to turn the Teessiders into top six challengers.

"He's (Viduka) got special talent," said Southgate. "There are times when you think maybe we should pull him off and he goes and sticks one in the top corner.

"I don't think his performances will deteriorate as he ages. He's an intelligent player - Teddy (Sheringham) would be an English equivalent and he performed into his late 30s. I don't think that's any concern to us.

"I think any players over 30 you have to be careful over the length of contract. You never know what's going to happen at that stage of your life. I was quite a fit guy but in my last season I sensed that things had changed a bit.

"I know Arsene Wenger doesn't give over 30s a contract for more than a year. We're not in that position but that would be your ideal scenario."