Middlesbrough have played down suggestions striker Alen Boksic has decided to retire - but admitted he is close to hanging up his boots.

Boksic is committed to Boro until the end of the season, but the 33-year-old was quoted over the weekend as saying he would begin the process of ending his contract next week.

The Croatian told the Sportske Novosti newspaper: "I've decided, in agreement with Middlesbrough bosses, to break my contract with the club.

We're not trying to hide things, we're in discussions with him over the remainder of his contract Steve McClaren

"After having reflected long and hard I will bring my professional career to an end."

But Boro chief executive Keith Lamb says they are still in talks with the Croatian international and that he remains on the club's books.

"I think Alen's time with Middlesbrough is coming to an end but it hasn't ended yet," he said.

"His contract expires on 30 June and he is still a Middlesbrough player. He is still registered with us and yes, we've had discussions about his future.

"Those talks are still ongoing and haven't been resolved yet, but when they are we will make a formal announcement."

Manager Steve McClaren added: "We're not trying to hide things, we're in discussions with him over the remainder of his contract.

"But that is a private matter, something which we don't want to discuss in public.

"He is injured at the present moment. We've allowed him to go back to Croatia and private discussions are being negotiated."

Boksic has struggled to claim a regular first-team place at Boro and has only scored twice this season.

McClaren has also just brought in two new strikers in the shape of Michael Ricketts and Malcolm Christie.