"Joe Nathan said he hasn't heard "one way or the other" about a contract extension. And that apparently doesn't surprise the 36-year-old Minnesota Twins' closer.

"I understand both sides of it," Nathan said Monday. "It doesn't concern me. The only thing I really can do is keep going out and performing, showing them that I'm healthy, that I'm getting stronger. From there, I think, things will fall in place."

Nathan is in the final season of a $47 million, four-year contract. He is being paid $11.25 million this season. If the Twins don't pick up a one-year option for $12.5 million next season, he'll receive a $2 million buyout.

Nathan, who had ligament replacement surgery in March 2010, has converted eight of 11 save opportunities. In 34 games this season, he is 1-1 with a 5.28 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 30-2/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .235 against him.

Nathan said he would love to remain with the Twins. "