Boro warn off Downing bids
18 Jun 2007 - 12:24:50
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned potential purchasers that he has absolutely no intention of selling England winger Stewart Downing.
Everton have been linked with a £10million move for Downing in recent weeks, but Southgate is not interested in parting company with the 22-year-old wideman.
"Stewart is such a good player and is now an established player in the England squad, so I'm not at all surprised that other clubs might be interested in him, but that's as far as it goes," he told the club's official website.
"Stewart is definitely not for sale, so other clubs would be wasting their time even considering making an offer.
"The idea that we would want to sell the likes of Stewart is way off target."
Meanwhile, Southgate has reiterated chairman Steve Gibson's claim that the club are closing in on a number of quality summer signings.
"We're going to bring in some first-class players this summer and I want them to play alongside our current stars," he added.
"As I've said before, we are looking to play an attractive brand of winning football next season - and Stewart will be a major part in that."