Grant Leadbitter lifts the lid on his future plans

The Middlesbrough skipper, who hasn’t been able to feature regularly this season, isn’t looking to go anywhere in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough captain, Grant Leadbitter, remains adamant that he sees his long-term future at the club but admits that he needs to get more game time in the 2nd half of the season.

Leadbitter, who started in Boro’s 5-0 thrashing of Peterborough United in the FA Cup at the weekend, has been a spectator in the Championship this season.

Despite having played six times in as many games in cup competitions, the 32-year-old hasn’t featured in the Championship since the middle of August.

Owing to his situation at Boro, a number of clubs have been after his services, though his current salary has put off likely suitors like Ipswich boss Paul Lambert.

However, despite getting not much of game time, Leadbitter is adamant on seeing out the remaining 18 months of his contract with Boro.

"It’s the first time in my career it’s been like this, but I accept it and get on with it," said Leadbitter who made his 500th career appearance against Peterborough at the weekend. "You can ask anyone around the football club – I get on with it, and don’t say much."

"I get on with my work, and come in every day in training and try to be the best I can. I try to work harder – that’s always been my attitude, and I’ll never change."

"Do I want to play more games? Yes. Have I played well this year when I’ve played? Yes, I feel as though I have. I’ll keep working because I want to play more games at this football club."

"Do I see my future here? Of course, I do. I’m here until 2020, so I’ll keep doing what I do every single day. Let me tell you, that won’t change."

Leadbitter's not the only future to resolve

In addition to the future of his club captain, manager Tony Pulis might also want to resolve the long-term future of striker Ashley Fletcher at the club.

He scored and provided an assist at the weekend, but with Hull leading the race for his signature, it appears as if the striker won’t be at Teesside come February.

Yet another player who might leave the club is former Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede, though Boro are adamant that they would only sanction a deal provided the potential buyer matches their price tag for the player.