Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has told midfielder George Boateng he wants him to stay next season.

"I think George expected to be a first choice right through last season and was disappointed when he was left out," Southgate told Boro's website.

"I'd like him to stay. If he does, he knows he would be an important part of the squad. There would be no guarantee that he would be in the side, but there'd be no guarantee that he wouldn't be in the side either."