Middlesbrough: Schwarzer rejects contract offer

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has rejected an initial contract offer from the club.

The giant Aussie is out of contract at the end of the season and Boro are now looking to seal his future. Talks have commenced in recent weeks, but Boro's first offer has been shunned.

Schwarzer is Boro's longest serving player and, as one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in England, he was looking for a salary to recognise this.

Talks will continue, but Schwarzer's future with Boro is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Boro are desperate to keep Schwarzer, but with Manchester United known to be keeping tabs - they may have to consider their options in January.

Schwarzer will be free to leave Boro in July, if he fails to sign a new deal, and the North East club may opt to sell him in January rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Skysports