Spurs told to increase offer for Downing to £10m

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• More Premier League news club by club

Boro chairman Steve Gibson is understood to want a fee closer to £10m.

Downing confided in close friends before Boro's game at home to Liverpool that he expected it to be his last for the club and waved to all four stands as he left the pitch on Saturday.

His agent Ian Elliott is leaving the country tomorrow and wants the transfer to be completed before then.

Everton are also interested in the England international but it is believed the winger prefers a move to London.

The 23-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and has been disappointed over how talks have progressed over a new one. He has been asking for £30,000 a week and negotiations have stalled.

Downing said: "I am aware and flattered by the interest of Tottenham. However, until Middlesbrough and Tottenham can agree terms, I remain a Middlesbrough player and am fully committed to helping Gareth Southgate and the team in any way I can.

"But it goes without saying that I hope the situation is resolved sooner rather than later, as all the speculation is affecting me."

Spurs wanted to sign Downing this month in order to have a natural left midfielder.

The transfer is being driven by sporting director Damien Comolli, but manager Juande Ramos has agreed to go along with it.

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Ready to go: Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing is interested in a move to Tottenham

Elliott stressed it is not fair for the matter to be dragged out any longer.

Elliott said: "Stewart is a lovely lad and he gets on with it like a true professional but this issue needs to be resolved.

"He has had discussions with Middlesbrough and they know his feelings but this needs to be resolved."

Tottenham are also closing in on a £9m deal for Espanyol defender Daniel Jarque to strengthen the back.

Ramos still wants to be cautious with captain Ledley King, who has been in inspired form since returning from a knee injury on Boxing Day.

The manager insisted keeper Paul Robinson has not played his last game for the club despite dropping him for the last two games. He said: "Of course he will play for Tottenham again."