Last Updated: Thu, 15 May 2008 13:26
Gareth Southgate has confirmed he wants to keep Middlesbrough trio Gary O'Neil, Chris Riggott and Tony McMahon.
Southgate has denied reports O'Neil, who joined Boro on deadline day last summer in a £5million deal from FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, is unsettled on Teesside, and told the club's official website: "We want to keep our better players and Gary has added a great deal to the team and can be a lot better next year when he can add goals to his game.
"If people are unhappy, I need to know now, but I have spoken to Gary briefly and he told me that he was a bit surprised that those reports have come out."
Centre-back Riggott came back into Southgate's plans towards the end of the season after regaining his form and fitness with newly-promoted Stoke.
The Riverside chief added: "I know all about Chris' qualities. The frustration for him has been not getting a decent run in the team and I can understand that. But what happens next is very much in Chris' corner."
Meanwhile, Boro have offered full-back Tony McMahon a one-year extension to his current contract.
Southgate confirmed: "We've made Tony an offer and it's for him and his advisor to come back to us."