Middlesbrough FC

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Boro rule out Downing sale

16 Jun 2008 - 09:05:00

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists Stewart Downing is not for sale as renewed speculation links the England international with a transfer to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old recently committed his long-term future to Boro by penning a new five-year contract with the club, but the rumours about his future persist.

Southgate admitted: "We have to accept there will be speculation about our players and, if they're the quality of Stewart and have had the sort of season he has, that's inevitable.

"Stewart knows exactly what I want to try and achieve here and, as far as we're concerned, he's not for sale.

"I fought long and hard to keep him and get him on a new contract during the course of last season and I think we saw an increased maturity in his performances towards the end."

Downing made his first-team debut in April 2002 and has gone on to make almost 200 appearances for the club.