Boro keeper talks ongoing

Keith Lamb insists Middlesbrough have begun talks with Mark Schwarzer.

The Australian custodian is only contracted to The Riverside until the end of the current campaign and has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Schwarzer, 32-years-old, has previously claimed that Boro are yet to open negotiations over a new deal but this has now been countered by Lamb.

''I have read press reports recently claiming that there had been no discussions regarding Mark's future at the football club,'' Lamb informed the club's official website.

''Let's make it absolutely clear that I have had lengthy discussions with Mark's nominated representative and those talks are ongoing.

''We are very keen to ensure that Mark stays at Middlesbrough and hope we can agree personal terms in the very near future.''

Meanwhile, exploratory surgery on Italian striker Massimo Maccarone has revealed no serious injury.

Maccarone is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Parma but will spend the next few weeks on the sidelines after being ordered to rest in a bid to aid his rehabilitation.