Downing slaps in request

Boro winger wants Spurs move

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 5th January 2009

Downing slaps in request

Downing: Wants move

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Sky Sports News understands that England winger Stewart Downing has handed in his transfer request.

The Middlesbrough-born wide man has told his hometown club that he wants to leave, with Tottenham trying to broker a deal for his services.

Spurs had a bid of £6million rejected over the weekend, although Sky Sports understands they have made a revised offer of over £10million.

Boro chief Steve Gibson insists that he will not be selling any of his big names in January - but with the player now confirming he wants to leave, it remains to be seen whether he will get his wish or not.

The Teesside club set a precedent with their current squad in the summer when they allowed the then unsettled Luke Young to quit the club for Aston Villa - which they had not initially planned to do.

Now Downing, along with Gary O'Neil and Mido, are testing Gibson's resolve further as all seek moves away from Teesside.

Promises

Downing's father, Stewart senior, also revealed the reasoning behind his son's decision to ask for a move - claiming the club have failed to keep their promises.

"Stewart's been frustrated since the summer, really," he said.

"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."

Comments (1)

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Pete Raku (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Not sure about this at all, 10million max, dont see too many other clubs fighting for his services do you, if we could get rid of Jenas to Boro as part of the deal then i am all for it at any price.

Posted 11:31 5th January 2009
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