GRANT Leadbitter’s agent has confirmed that the midfielder has held talks with Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old has rejected a new contract at Ipswich Town and is set to become the latest player to leave the club on a Bosman free transfer, with Gareth McAuley (West Brom) and David Norris (Portsmouth) doing the same last summer.

And agent Chris Lomas says ambition, rather than location, will play the biggest factor in the north east born, former Sunderland player’s decision.

“We’ve had some contact with Middlesbrough,” he told the Northern Gazette.

“I don’t think that (a return to the north east) will have a bearing at all. It will be a purely footballing decision.

“Middlesbrough are an attractive club for a player. They are a great club and Tony Mowbray is a top guy. He wants to play football the right way.

“There are quite a few clubs who are interested in Grant. He’s got good experience and he’s a very good player.”

He added: “I think Grant’s quite relaxed about the situation. He’s currently on holiday and he’s getting married this summer so he wants to make sure he makes the right decision for the long-term. I don’t think, however, he’ll want it dragging on too long.”