McClaren speaks out on Middlesbrough contract talks

Steve McClaren has spoken out in an attempt to quell concerns about a mass player exodus. Three of the six players allegedly set to leave are said to still be in contract talks, namely Downing, Job and Doriva.

However, no mention was made of Zenden, Mills or Nemeth who were the other three touted as likely to leave.

Todays statement from the club also said that Ehiogu, Southgate and Schwarzer were all in contract talks. All three have contracts that end in summer 2005.