GEORGE Boateng last night distanced himself from remarks suggesting his Middlesbrough career was at an end, and claimed he was ready to spend another season at the Riverside.

Boateng will enter the final year of his current contract next month and, after being stripped of the captains armband last season, his future has been the subject of considerable conjecture.

That conjecture looked to be at an end yesterday, when a Scottish newspaper claimed Boateng had confirmed his intention to leave Teesside and expressed a desire to speak to representatives of Celtic and Rangers, both clubs who have been linked with the Holland international in the past.

However, the 32-year-old has subsequently claimed he made no such comments, and insisted that remaining at the Riverside is an option that appeals to him.

I dont know why people are saying I have spoken to people in Scotland because I havent, said Boateng. I havent made any decision on my future yet.

I still have one more year left on my contract and staying at Middlesbrough is definitely an option I am happy with.

I have really enjoyed my time at the club and even though last season was difficult, I still felt I proved myself in the games I played.

While Middlesbrough officials are understood to have informed Boateng that he is free to look for another club this summer, the midfielder would be entirely within his rights to see out the final year of his contract on Teesside.

While he fell out of favour at various stages last season, his 30 starts were still bettered by just four other members of the Middlesbrough squad.

Gareth Southgate continues to regard him as a valuable midfield option and, while the Boro boss has been instructed to trim the wage bill this summer C a process that has been assisted by the departure of high earners Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta C it is inconceivable that he would freeze Boateng out if the Dutchman was to return to preseason training in July.

Celtic and Rangers are known to harbour an interest, but neither would be willing to match the wages Boateng currently earns at the Riverside. Sunderland would be in a position to offer financial parity, but while Roy Keane has previously been linked with the midfielder, the Black Cats boss is keen to pursue other options first.

ö Dutch side FC Twente claim they are close to appointing former Middlesbrough and England manager Steve McClaren as their new coach C despite opposition from their own fans.

Twente chairman Joop Munsterman has met McClaren to show him around the clubs Grolsch Veste stadium and at present is waiting for a response from the Englishman.

Munsterman admits most fans of the Enschede club are sceptical about a coach who failed to guide England into this summers European Championships finals, but insisted McClaren would be an excellent appointment.

Ninety per cent think Why McClaren, he admitted. But believe me, if he becomes our coach we will have a coach who is accustomed to working with top players and who can recognise them.

ö England youth international Chris Smalling has turned down Middlesbrough to sign for Premier League rivals Fulham.The former Maidstone teenager was offered a move to the Riverside Stadium last month.