Middlesbrough have opened contract talks with goalkeeping duo Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones.
Turnbull and Jones to be offered new deals
Gareth Southgate has confirmed Middlesbrough have opened contract talks with goalkeeping duo Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones.
The pair, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, have been given the chance to battle it out for Boro's No.1 jersey following the departure of long-serving custodian Mark Schwarzer to Fulham.
Turnbull, in particularl, has excelled for Boro of late with impressive displays against West Ham and Aston Villa and now Southgate is keen to secure the 23-year-old's services for the foreseeable future.
"We have started to talk," Southgate told the Evening Gazette.
Future
"Both goalkeepers are in the same position and both feel they have a future with us.
"We are starting to make progress. Discussions will be ongoing."
Turnbull pulled off two fine saves in Boro's surprise 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday and Southgate feels the shot-stopper is relishing the challenge of battling Jones for a place in his starting XI.
"Ross has shown more and more confidence as he continues to get games under his belt. He has responded to the challenge," he concluded.