Boro blast Downing rumours
23 Aug 2006 - 08:50:45
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has rubbished reports linking Stewart Downing with a move to Tottenham.
Spurs coach Martin Jol is known to be an admirer of the England winger, but Southgate insisted talk of an imminent transfer is little more than groundless speculation.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think Stewart knows how much I think of him and how much we as a club think of him.
"But it's difficult for me to comment on something that is fabrication, as far as I am aware, because I have had no contact from anybody about any of our players.
"It's speculation, as far as I am aware."
Southgate added: "Stewart is very focused on what he wants to do. I am sure if he had any concerns, he would come to see me. He knows how much I think of him.
"The only slightly disappointing thing is that, as far as I am aware, it's a story without any truth. I am almost loathe to give it credibility because I have not heard anything about it."