Boro star Downing in plea to join Tottenham

The England international has long been a target for Spurs and the club have offered £10m after an initial bid of around £6m was rejected last week.

Middlesbrough insist Downing is not for sale but the winger's father said his son is determined to leave despite signing a five-year deal just 11 months ago.

Stewart Sr said today: "My son's been frustrated since the summer, really. When he signed his new contract he was assured that there would be significant investment in the squad.

"He feels the club haven't matched those expectations. He's also frustrated that the team is once again struggling in the Premier League.

"Obviously as a Middlesbrough lad, he's thought long and hard about the decision to hand in a transfer request, and he also hopes the fans will understand his reasons for doing so."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to add the 24-year-old to his squad during this month's transfer window.

"We have made a big offer for him, but that is as much as we can do," said Redknapp. "After that, the decision is his club's."

Middlesbrough rate Downing at around £15m and the 24-year-old's decision to go public on his desire to leave will test the club's resolve.

Boro are under no financial pressure to sell and their chairman Steve Gibson insisted today none of his stars, including Downing, will leave.

"I can confirm we have received an offer from Spurs for Stewart Downing and I can also confirm we have rejected that offer," he said. "I