BORO hope to persuade Australia international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to sign a new contract and remain with the club he has served with distinction for more than a decade.

The 35-year-old's current deal runs out this summer, sparking speculation about interest from top European sides Juventus, Fiorentina and Bayern Munich.

But having played in front of him in the Boro defence, Southgate knows more than anyone about Schwarzer's qualities and he wants him to be part of his plans for the future.

He said: "We are talking to Mark. I'd like him to stay. His experience is important but he has real drive and determination that is still increasing.

"He is the one in our dressing room that can truly say he has played at the highest level - in World Cups, in Europe, in cup finals and so on.

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"We have to negotiate and see where we go, but players have to want to stay here and we have to want to keep them.

"Mark has been here a long time so he has to decide if he needs a fresh challenge, whether what we are trying to do is going to excite him, whether he feels he is going to be appreciated here."

Schwarzer is Boro's all-time international caps record holder and has appeared in more Premier League games than any other overseas player, with 332 matches to date.

Whatever happens next for the popular Aussie, he will always be remembered for moments like his last minute penalty save against Manchester City which earned Boro a UEFA Cup place, as well as his stunning performance in the 2004 Carling Cup final.

"When a player has been around one club for as long as Mark has, it's easy to take him for granted, but not too many goalkeepers have performed like he has for as long as he has," said Southgate.

"Those achievements should be recognised.

"Mark was a bit disgruntled a couple of years ago and was on the transfer list for a while and sometimes things like that can affect a player's relationship with the fans, but he has been here for eleven-and-a-half years, which is unbelievable."

Schwarzer was given an award from Boro's Official Supporters Club last week in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club.