AN in-demand Mark Schwarzer last night denied that he has been in contact with any potential suitors, and claimed that he would still be a Middlesbrough player at the start of next season.

Schwarzer, who is currently in the Far East contributing to Australia's Asia Cup campaign, has turned down Boro's initial offer of a new contract.

With his current deal due to expire in 12 months time, the 34-year-old goalkeeper is keen to avoid starting next season with his future still up in the air.

Schwarzer was critical of the way in which Mark Viduka's contract was allowed to run down last season, culminating in the striker's departure to Newcastle on a free transfer earlier this summer.

His growing disillusion had attracted the attention of a number of clubs, with German sides Stuttgart, Werder Bremen and Nuremberg all having been credited with an interest in the shot-stopper.

Some German media outfits have even suggested that Schwarzer's representatives, the America-based Global Sports Group, have made contact with clubs in their country.

But Schwarzer has angrily dismissed suggestions that he has been actively seeking a move away from Teesside, and claimed that he will still be a Boro player when Gareth Southgate's side kick off next season against Blackburn on August 11.

"I am under contract with Middlesbrough and it is illegal to have contact with any other club, so as far as I am concerned, no," he said.

"I have one year left on my contract with Middlesbrough, and my agent is in discussions with Middlesbrough at the moment and that is all.

"Like I said, I have one year left on my contract and until such time as I am no longer under contract, or I am told something else, I will be at Middlesbrough. I will be at the start of the season."