Schwarzer rejects new Boro deal

[Aussie Bee]

Middlesbrough's Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has rejected the Teessiders' offer of a new deal.
However, the 34-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, is keen to remain at the Riverside.

Schwarzer's agent, Shep Messing, said: "Boro asked what Mark wanted and he confirmed his wish to stay put."

"We put forward a fair proposition for both player and club. We've received a proposal from the club and we have been unable to agree on terms."

Schwarzer had earlier blamed Mark Viduka's exit on the club's failure to seal deals early enough and said he could leave for the same reason.

Viduka, 31, left Boro to join Newcastle on a free transfer after his contract expired.

"I've taken it to be quite normal at Middlesbrough, they do leave things very, very late," said the Australia international.

"They tend to do things only when they're under pressure."

Schwarzer is on international duty with Viduka as Australia play in the Asian Cup.

And, while he has been away, Boro have signed young strikers Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli to replace Viduka.

But Schwarzer wanted more done to secure the futures of the more experienced players at the Riverside.

He added: "It's unfortunate because it's not just with me, it's with other players like Mark.

"You would think with the more experienced players and the important players in the squad you would look to tie them down earlier and not let things drag on.

"But for some reason, and unbeknown to most of us, Middlesbrough tend to leave it until very late to sort it out."

Schwarzer's public outburst was criticised by Boro chief executive Keith Lamb.

He said: "Talks are ongoing but we do not and will not conduct our negotiations through the media."