Neil Warnock explains Middlesbrough contract situation with Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga deals set to expire

Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga will both see their deals expire this summer, while Marvin Johnson will also be out of contract but has a one-year extension option.

Boro did offer Fletcher a new deal but the striker and his representatives had chosen to wait.

When asked by the Mail about the forward’s situation, Warnock replied: “I’m speaking to Ashley all the time and speaking to Britt and all the others, that’s how it goes.

“Those conversations have to remain private really.”

Boro are already assessing potential transfer targets for next season, while the futures of loan players Yannick Bolasie, Neeskens Kebano and Marcus Bettinelli remain unclear.

Nathanial Mendez-Laing will also be out of contract in the summer after signing a short-term deal in January.

But with just nine league games remaining, Warnock says discussions are likely to wait.

“I don't think there will be anything decided before then,” replied Warnock when asked if contract talks will wait until the end of the season.

“We’ve only got nine games so we just have to concentrate on these games and then discussions I’m sure will take place in the summer.”

Boro are five points off the play-offs ahead of this weekend’s trip to Millwall.

And while Warnock remains hopeful his side can finish in the top six, he admits he’ll rotate his squad if that becomes an unrealistic target.

“If we are out of the reckoning I will give one or two opportunities to players that I’ve probably not given enough too,” the Boro boss added.

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