Jonny Howson could be available to sign on a free transfer this summer as the end of his Middlesbrough contract draws nearer.

The former Norwich City midfielder's deal runs until the end of the season, with no confirmation yet of whether he'll be at the Riverside next term.

Howson says he wants to stay in the north east, however, having spent seven years there since his £5million move from Carrow Road in 2017.

"I guess that's not for me to answer," he said when asked about his future. "You'll have to ask above me.

"Of course I'd love to stay. It's funny, because it's been very similar the past two or three seasons, where we'll get to this stage of the season and [then I pick up another contract].

"So it's nothing new regarding myself. I'm pretty relaxed about it, and if I can stay another season, great, I'd love to. If not, that's [art and parcel of football. I'll look for another club.

"When you are a bit younger you see certain things that go on in football and it does take you by surprise. When you get to this age and you've seen certain things go on nothing surprises you.

"I don't say that flippantly, that's part and parcel of football. Nothing's personal, you learn as well, that's just how it is.

"If they want me for another season, great, I'd love to stay, but if not it's nothing personal. Football moves on and it doesn't work for anyone."

The 35-year-old will view his time at Boro as a success, whether or not he extends his stay beyond this year.

"What will be will be," he continued, speaking on the official EFL Podcast. "I want to go on as long as possible.

"I've had some great memories, my only disappointment would be that I came here to get promoted and I haven't achieved that.

"from that point of view it'd be a disappointment, but apart from that I've loved it here. I'm sure we'll know within the next month or two."