Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Boro: Downing not leaving

18 Jul 2008 - 13:15:55

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Middlesbrough have moved swiftly to deny fresh rumours that Stewart Downing could be on his way out of the club.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate insists the England winger is not for sale following reports that both Liverpool and Aston Villa remain in the hunt for his signature.

The 23-year-old, who signed a new five-year contract at the Riverside during the last campaign, has previously been linked with Tottenham and Everton this summer.

"Stewart Downing is not for sale, it is as simple as that," Southgate told the club's official website.

"We get calls from lots of clubs about people, but we have not had any about Stewart.

"It surprises me when there is all the speculation because if people are interested in buying, it would be nice if they made contact with us and then we could just tell them straight to their face that he is not for sale.

"But that's part of the summer transfer merry-go-round. You have to deal with that speculation.

"I always say to the players, as long as they focus on fact and what they know and what I tell them - because I am very honest with them - then there is no problem."

Meanwhile, Southgate has revealed that he has received a loan enquiry for midfielder Lee Cattermole.

Wigan Athletic are believed to be interested in signing the England Under-21 international on a season-long loan deal.