Middlesbrough renewing Marvin Johnson's contract would 'represent good value for money' as his future hangs in the balance.

That's the view of Teesside Live writer Anthony Vickers who has been assessing the winger's future.

Johnson is out of contract in the summer which means that he could be allowed to leave the club for nothing if a new deal is not agreed.

But writing in a Q&A for Teesside Live, Vickers discussed the prospect of extending his deal and delivered his verdict on whether a new contract would be a shrewd move for the club.

Writing for Teesside Live, Vickers said: "It is nice that someone has asked about Marvin Johnson. The big earners get all the contract status concern but Johnson’s deal is up in the summer too and rarely gets a look in.

"I think he probably is worth a new deal. He has been good at times this season, shows a bit of energy up the left and he is versatile. He can slot in at wing-back and even at full-back if pushed.

"He has the versatility to play in a few different positions that Jonathan Woodgate likes and he is more than adequate in the Championship to cover for Hayden Coulson, who looks to be the future on that flank.

"He is no world-beater but then you have to look at exactly what shelf Boro are shopping from nowadays. And I think he is probably affordable too.

"The likes of Ayala and Friend and signed their new deals in the Premier League while Shotton and Howson were on big money when they arrived so will be on an significant wage.

"Johnson in contrast came from League One Oxford as ‘one for the future’ and behind Fabio and George Friend in the pecking order so he won’t be on big bucks. Well, not for football anyway.

"So given he will be in effect ‘a free’ in the summer he probably represents value for money."

Can you name these Middlesbrough stars based on their former club? Have a go!

The verdict

Extending Marvin Johnson's contract could be a very shrewd move for Middlesbrough.

The 29-year-old has proven himself to be a valuable player for Jonathan Woodgate this term after playing as both a winger and a wing-back for the Teessiders.

Hayden Coulson is seen as the first choice player on the left side, but what we've seen from Johnson is that he's a more than adequate back-up.

Johnson's demands are likely to fall in line with the club's new budget, and so extending his deal certainly seems to make sense.