Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate says he is hopeful that defender George Friend will still be at the club beyond the end of this season.

Friend's contract at The Riverside Stadium is set to expire at the conclusion of the current campaign in a few months time, which would then allow him to leave the club for nothing in the summer, if no deal is agreed before then.

Woodgate however, appears confident that some sort of agreement with Friend will be reached before then, and speaking to the Northern Echo about the 32-year-old's future, the 'Boro boss simply said: "George, I want George to stay."

Since joining Middlesbrough from Doncaster back in the summer of 2012, Friend has gone on to make a total of 287 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring ten goals, helping 'Boro win promotion to the Premier League during the 2015/16 campaign.

The defender is just one of a number of players who are set to be out of contract at the Riverside in the summer.

Woodgate has already revealed he is hopeful midfielder Jonny Howson and goalkeeper Aynsley Pears will sign new deals with the club, while Daniel Ayala, Rudy Gestede, Marvin Johnson, Ryan Shotton and Adam Clayton are all also set to be out of contract in the summer.

The Verdict

I think keeping Friend at the club would be a smart move from Middlesbrough.

Having already secured the futures of several of 'Boro's young upcoming players, it does make sense that they do the same with some of their more experienced squad members in order to get the right blend of youth and experience in the squad.

Given how long he has been with Middlesbrough, Friend in particular to makes sense to target for such a deal, considering his knowledge of the club, as well as senior football, which could be useful for those younger players.

Following such a difficult start to the season, the fact that they are now able to plan beyond the end of this season - seemingly with the expectation they will be in the Championship again - feels like a hugely positive reflection on the recent upturn in form at the club.