Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Boro snub new Downing bid

07 Jan 2009 - 08:08:36

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Middlesbrough are reported to have rejected an improved offer of around £14.5million from Tottenham Hotspur for England winger Stewart Downing.

The 24-year-old has had a transfer request rejected by Boro, having made known his intention to leave the Riverside in the January transfer window.

However, Boro chairman Steve Gibson has restated his desire to keep the current squad together, as boss Gareth Southgate bids to pull his side away from relegation danger.

"As far as Stewart is concerned we understand the background that has led to this transfer request and we believe that his head has been turned," Gibson said.

"We will work hard over the next few weeks to try to convince him to stay.

"I am adamant that nobody will be leaving in January and that Gareth Southgate will be working with the same squad of players at the beginning of February.

"The January transfer window is feeding time for the sharks, but we will fight to keep this squad together, because we know we have a lot of quality here.

"I believe that Stewart Downing and in fact all of our players should stay and fight to turn this club around. The players owe it to the club and to the fans and they owe it to the manager."