Boro: Downing's going nowhere

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The 24-year submitted a written transfer request first thing Monday morning in the wake of an improved offer from long-time suitors Tottenham.

Chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We received a written transfer request from Stewart on Monday morning. It was considered before being rejected."

He added: "Prior to receiving the transfer request, we received an improved offer for Stewart from Tottenham.

"We immediately rejected this offer and informed Tottenham that Stewart Downing is not for sale and any further interest they have in the player will not be entertained."

Boro's response comes as no surprise after Lamb, chairman Steve Gibson and manager Gareth Southgate all repeatedly insisted that the Academy graduate is simply not for sale.

However, they now face a task to persuade Downing that he can fulfil his potential the Riverside Stadium after his father, also Stewart, revealed his decision to ask for a move was motivated by his disappointment at the club's lack of ambition since he signed a new five-year deal in February last year.

Downing Snr said: "Stewart'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 that 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."