Middlesbrough FC

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Downing denies exit rumours

29 Nov 2008 - 10:22:01

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Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing has reiterated his commitment to the Teessiders following renewed speculation over a January transfer.

Spurs continue to be linked with the 24-year-old, but Downing insists his focus is totally on the job in hand at the Riverside.

He said: "I signed a long-term deal last season. My only aim is to try to get into Europe with Middlesbrough.

"There is always going to be speculation about players and clubs, not only me. You have just got to black it out.

"If you concentrate on what the press are saying your form might dip. I will only concentrate on playing well for Middlesbrough."

Downing's manager, Gareth Southgate, also laughed off the talk over his player's immediate future, adding: "It doesn't bother me.

"It is a good sign that if we are doing well, people will speculate about our players or want to buy them. We couldn't sell a player three years ago, so I think that is healthy.

"We have to accept as we move towards January clubs will be looking for players, but we want to build on the squad we have got if we can.

"If someone was to offer £30million I could say something different, but we want to keep our best players, that is for certain."