Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has moved to clarify the club's position over the contracts of three squad members, with Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Marvin Johnson all set to see their deals expire come June of this year. 

The situation surrounding the future of Fletcher is a lot more clearer than the other two players mentioned, with Warnock having previously admitted that the club had offered the 25-year-old a new deal prior to his return from injury.

However it is yet unclear as to whether the former Manchester United man will sign fresh terms or not, with a decision likely to be made come the end of the season.

Meanwhile Johnson could well be set for a longer stay on Teesside, with Warnock explaining to Gazette Live that the player has already surpassed the amount of games required in order for a one-year extension clause to be activated should the player wish to stay on into the next campaign:

“I think Marvin has an extension clause in his deal and I’m not sure but I think he’s played enough to earn that.

“I have been happy with Marvin this season."

On the other hand, the future of Assombalonga is a bit more unclear, with the Boro boss confirming that there hasn't been any talks with his club captain over a new deal since last summer;

“There hasn’t really been anything new with Britt.

“I had a chat with him in pre-season, but nothing really since."

The Verdict 

At the age of 25, Fletcher certainly has his best years ahead of him as a striker and for that reason I can imagine that Boro will be super keen to hold onto him for at least a few more years.

Johnson is also a great squad option to have at Championship level and keeping him will only add to the depth of quality that they have in wide areas at present.

I believe that dispensing of Assombalonga is beginning to look like a bit of a foregone conclusion and I think getting him off the wage bill will really help to free up funds for Warnock to strengthen further over the summer.

It'll be interesting to see how the trio perform over the coming months, with their futures at the club very much on the line as their deals continue to run down towards expiry.