Jonathan Woodgate will not be put under any pressure to commit his long-term future to Middlesbrough, manager Gareth Southgate said on Friday.
Real Madrid have loaned the 27-year-old centre back to his hometown side for the season and although the two clubs agreed a deal on Monday to turn it into a permanent transfer, the England international has the final say.
"We have made it clear to him we would love him to stay beyond this season, and he, of course, has plenty to think about between now and then," Southgate told reporters.
"I fully understand that. We are not going to put him under any pressure, we are not trying to do anything to influence that other than providing him with an environment he is enjoying working in and trying to show him what our ambitions are as a club."
"He has been fantastic for us and we will give him as long as he possibly wants."