NEIL WARNOCK says the ‘time for talking is over’ when it comes to Duncan Watmore’s contract situation, with the winger’s current Middlesbrough deal due to expire in just over a fortnight’s time.

Watmore is due to become a free agent after Boro host Birmingham City on January 16, and while a new contract has been on the table for a number of weeks now, the forward’s representatives continue to argue for a better deal.

Boro’s negotiating team, led by chief executive Neil Bausor, are holding firm, which has created an impasse that alternative suitors could seek to exploit in the next couple of weeks.

Warnock remains confident Watmore will commit his long-term future to Teesside, with Boro having offered him an opportunity to rebuild his career when other clubs were reluctant to take a chance on him after his injury-plagued time at Sunderland.

However, he also accepts negotiations cannot go on forever, and has told Watmore is it time for him to make up his mind.

“There’s a contract on the table at the moment, but it’s not acceptable to his representatives,” said the Boro boss, ahead of tomorrow's game at Wycombe Wanderers. “That’s why there’s a negotiation, but that’s why I don’t really worry.

“In Duncan’s case, I don’t really think money is that important. I think with the last couple of years he’s had in football, he should be wanting to stay for the right reasons. He’s a sensible lad, so I don’t think he’ll let people talking to him put him off altogether.

“He’s told me that he wants to stay. He’s loving it here, and that’s something that’s been brought up in the last few weeks.

"I think the parties have been talking more, but as far as I’m concerned, I think the talking’s finished now. He’ll either sign or he won’t. The Birmingham game is due to be his last game at the moment – that’s what I’m told - and what will be, will be.”