Bates signs new Boro deal

Championship side Middlesbrough have kept the services of talented player Matthew Bates.

The news comes, after a number of Premier League clubs had shown interest to sign the 22 year-old.

West Ham were front runners and had even made an offer earlier this month, for the player whose contract was due to expire this summer.

It seemed like he was set to quit the club after shunning Boro’s previous offers to extend his deal, but now chairman Steve Gibson has helped broker a new three-year deal for Bates, which has been signed.

Chief executive Keith Lamb had also spoken of his hopes that Bates would stay with Boro.

“We are delighted Matthew has decided to commit his future to Middlesbrough,” said Lamb.

Stockton-on-Tees-born Bates, who has battled back to full fitness after suffering three cruciate knee ligament injuries, shone last season for Boro – featuring in both midfield and defence.