Middlesbrough FC

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Boro deny fresh Downing talk

28 Jun 2008 - 14:38:18

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Middlesbrough have denied fresh reports suggesting that Stewart Downing will leave the club this summer.

The 23-year-old winger signed a new five-year contract midway through the last campaign which appeared to have ended speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Downing is now reportedly being tracked by Everton and Liverpool, but Boro chief executive Keith Lamb is adamant the England international will remain at the Riverside Stadium.

"We were all delighted that Stewart signed a new contract last season. We believe he is happy and settled here," he told the club's official website.

"Having said that, we know that Stewart has to achieve all that his talent allows, so the onus is on Middlesbrough to ensure his ambitions are fulfilled here.

"Stewart's got everything as a player and is playing possibly the best football of his career, both for Middlesbrough and for England.

"But I don't believe he has fulfilled his potential yet.

"His best years are ahead of him. In fact, we believe Stewart will become one of the best footballers not just in Britain but in Europe."