Boro pull plug on Downing deal

Winger told he is not leaving

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 28th January 2008

Downing Stewart

Downing: No move

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Middlesbrough have told Stewart Downing he will now not be allowed to leave the club this month.

Boro had opened talks with Tottenham earlier this month, but the deal has dragged on and the move is now dead.

Gareth Southgate insisted he was always keen for his England winger to stay and it now seems Downing will remain at The Riverside - until the summer at least.

No deal

"Stewart is not for sale, both myself and the chairman Steve Gibson told him that. He is a very important player for us," said Southgate.

"Stewart met with the chairman on Thursday and is probably letting it all sink in.

"January is an unsettling period for many players. Some think they are on their way when they aren't and some want to be on their way and end up staying.

"As far as we are concerned with Stewart, it is dead."

Boro have previously failed to agree terms with Downing over a new contract, but they look set to try and rekindle talks with the 23-year-old - who they rate at £12million.

However, it remains to be seen whether Downing will be willing to open talks with his hometown club.