Middlesbrough FC

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Downing asks to leave Boro

05 Jan 2009 - 11:54:31

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Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has signalled his intent to leave the Riverside Stadium after handing in a written transfer request.

The 24-year-old wideman, who only signed a new five-year contract in February 2008, is believed to have become unsettled following Boro's slide towards the foot of the Premier League table this season.

Downing has already been the subject one of unsuccessful £6million bid from Tottenham Hotspur since the transfer window reopened last week.

However, Spurs face a fight to persuade Boro to part company with the England international as the Teessiders are under no financial pressure to sell any of their prize assets.

"I can confirm that we have received an offer from Spurs for Stewart Downing and I can also confirm that we have rejected that offer," chairman Steve Gibson told the Times.

"I've spoken to (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy and told him categorically that their interest is not welcome.

"I've also told him that we will not entertain any further offers for Stewart or, for that matter, any other senior member of our squad. The same applies to Tuncay and it also applies to Gary O'Neil.

"I repeat: none of our senior players will be leaving the Riverside Stadium this month."