The 31-year-old striker returned to his homeland earlier this week after turning in yet another match-winning display in Boro's 3-1 final day victory over Fulham.

He will represent his country in the Asian Cup later this summer, but in the meantime, continues to mull over the contract extension he has been offered at the Riverside Stadium.

With his current deal due to expire at the end of next month, other suitors are queuing up - Newcastle, Manchester United, West Ham and Italian club Genoa are among those to have been linked with him in recent weeks - and he faces a big decision over what he freely admits is likely to be the last big contract of his career.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate, his team-mates and the club's fans have left Viduka in little doubt as to their hopes, and Gibson has added his weight to their pleas.

Chief executive Keith Lamb said: "I spoke to Mark after the (Fulham) game, while Steve Gibson spoke to him on the phone on Monday morning, so he knows how much he is wanted here.

"There is no doubt that Steve speaking directly to Mark and telling him how much we want him to stay will have an influence on him.

"How much? Only time will tell, though I do know that Mark has great respect for Steve."

Southgate has refused to put any pressure on Viduka to make a decision, but acknowledges the longer he has to wait for an answer, the more options the striker will have.

He admitted at the weekend he hopes to hear over the next 10 days or so, although he cannot begin his rebuilding work in earnest until he knows whether or not he has to replace this season's top scorer with 19 goals.

Lamb told the club's website, www.mfc.co.uk: "Mark knows our position and that everyone involved with the football club wants him to stay, including the club's supporters.

"The fans could not have made it clearer to him what they think during and after our final game against Fulham . They sang, 'Sign him on'. We want to sign him on.

"Mark has told Steve Gibson, Gareth Southgate and myself he is settled here and he wants to stay.

"He is playing well enough to attract interest from other clubs and he will maybe want to listen to other offers. We understand that.

"Mark has to weigh up all of his options. He has to balance the financial issues with what is best for him and his family, and what he wants from football and what Middlesbrough FC can give him.

"He is off to Australia now and I think he is going to spend some time with his wife and family before the Asian Cup, so we have to give him time and space to make his decision.

"But we are very confident that, at the end of it all, Mark will stay with Middlesbrough."