Gibson insists 'no sales'

Boro chairman stands firm

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 5th January 2009

Gibson insists 'no sales'

Gibson: Refusing bids

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

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Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has again insisted that the club will not be selling any of their big names this month.

Both Stewart Downing and Gary O'Neil want to depart The Riverside and are ready to hand in formal transfer requests if moves are not forthcoming.

With Mido and Tuncay Sanli also linked with moves away from the club, Boro could be left with rebuilding their squad in the space of a month.

But with Boro struggling in the Premier League, without a win in eight league games, Gibson insists he will not be forced into any sales.

No sales

"I repeat: none of our senior players will be leaving the Riverside Stadium this month," the Boro supremo told The Times.

"We've got a talented group of players and it's time for us to knuckle down and focus on the job in hand.

"As far as we're concerned, this is now an end to the matter."

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb lambasted Tottenham for their approach for Downing, as they launched an initial bid of just £6million.

And Gibson reiterated that he has told Spurs to not bother coming back for the England winger.

"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," Gibson said.

"I've spoken to 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."

Mido

Whether Gibson's attitude applies to Mido remains to be seen.

The Egyptian has been unsettled for a number of months and has continually been linked with a move away from Boro.

And Mido's brother has now told the African press that his sibling is ready to move.

"Mido is on the verge of leaving Middlesbrough because he wants to play regularly," Hossam Wasfi told FilGoal.

"He was approached by some mid-table clubs in England, but is still considering his options regarding the next move."

Wigan had looked the most likely bidders for Mido, but his brother insisted this was an unlikely move.

"I don't think Mido is tempted by Wigan, even though they are interested," he added.