Mark Viduka has told
Middlesbrough he wants to stay at the club - but believes the club
has to start investing in top-quality players.
The Australia striker is currently in talks about a new deal and
says he is now enjoying playing for the side.
But he wants the club to back Gareth Southgate in the transfer
market so they can reach 'the next level'.
"I've started talks with the club and we'll have to wait and see
how that goes," he told the newspaper. "I want to stay if I can.
I'm starting to enjoy my football more than I was.
"This year has been a transitional period with Gareth coming in,
and it takes time for the team to gel. Now it's started to do
that.
"I think everyone would love to see this club taking that next step
up and 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 and things like that.
"We need to get top-quality players in because I think everybody in
the dressing room wants to go to the next level as well. The club
needs to have faith in Gareth and help him buy the players he
thinks are good."
Southgate says he is hopeful Viduka will stay at Boro and is
confident the player is worth a long-term deal.
"Viduka's agent and our chief executive are in discussions," he
said. "Viduka is a special talent.
"There are times when maybe you think we can take him off now and
then he goes and scores one in the top corner. We want him to
stay.
"I don't think his performances will deteriorate as he ages. His
performances will continue into his 30s."
