Adam Clayton could be ready to seek a new challenge come the end of the season.

That's the view of Teesside Live editor Phil Tallentire who has been discussing the Middlesbrough midfielder's.

Clayton is out of contract in the summer and with no agreement on the horizon it leaves his Middlesbrough future very much in doubt.

The former Huddersfield Town man has been a central figure at the Riverside Stadium in recent years, including playing a key role in the club's promotion to the Premier League.

But according to Tallentire, the out-of-favour midfielder may use the summer to find himself a fresh challenge.

Writing in Teesside Live's Q&A, Tallentire said: "We were one of the sources reporting that his contract didn’t lapse until 2021 due to the official statement released by the club when Adam Clayton signed his extension.

"However, following checks, Boro confirmed that Clayton’s current deal lapses in the summer.

"Perhaps there was an option to extend the deal should the club so desire within the terms of his current deal.

"But with Boro bidding to cut the wage bill in line with a vastly reduced income following the end of the Premier League parachute payments, it’s understandable if they are unwilling to voluntarily use their option to extend the contract.

"Woodgate has said that he is willing to discuss the futures of all the players who will be out of contract in the summer.

"And Clayton has been a consistent performer over the years since joining from Huddersfield in 2014 and has won player of the year plaudits.

"Clayton has 200 first appearances under his belt for the club but hasn’t been a regular under Jonathan Woodgate since the Birmingham defeat in October and he started just seven Championship fixtures.

"Having just turned 31, Clayton will feel he has plenty of football ahead of him and that might influence his thinking when weighing up his options.

"As things stand, you’d have to think he will move to pastures new in the summer."

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The verdict

The future of Adam Clayton looks like it won't be decided until the summer.

The midfielder has fallen out of favour under Jonathan Woodgate and that will naturally lead to questions over his future.

It remains to be seen what Clayton would like to do regarding his future, but he won't be looking to leave the club with a whimper.

Clayton could be a big player for helping Middlesbrough in their next chapter, it just depends on whether a deal can be struck.