"David's having a terrific season," Southgate has said.
"The maturity he's shown and the way he's standing up to the challenge of playing against top international players will stand him in good stead.
"He's at a lovely phase in his career where he just goes out and plays and isn't worried about anything else. It's great to watch.
"I'm confident he will be signing a new contract and pretty soon too. He's a Teesside boy and loves playing for the club.
"We give young players a chance more than other clubs do."