Middlesbrough FC

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Boro will let Downing leave

05 Jun 2009 - 15:34:35

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Middlesbrough will allow England winger Stewart Downing to leave the club if a suitable offer is received, according to chief executive Keith Lamb.

Downing's departure from his hometown club had been expected following their relegation from the Premier League last month.

And now Lamb has confirmed that the 24-year-old wideman - who picked up a serious foot injury in the penultimate game of Boro's season - is now free to leave the Riverside Stadium should the 'right' offer be received.

Downing was the subject of more than one unsuccessful bid from Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window.

"Who knows whether Stewart will be here in August," Lamb told Sky Sports News.

"If he is he will be playing for us in the Championship.

"But if the right offer comes along he will be allowed to leave."

Regarding the extent of his injury, Lamb added: "It has been suggested he could be out for as long as six months but he is quite a good healer and we hope he will be back before then.

"There is no reason why Stewart won't make a full recovery. He has been told that by the surgeon and he believes it.

"If someone wants to take a chance on him now, it's up to them. It's out of our hands."

Meanwhile, Boro are hoping to keep hold of youngsters David Wheater and Adam Johnson this summer.