Boro shun new Downing bid

Second Spurs bid rejected; transfer request turned down

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 5th January 2009

Boro shun new Downing bid

Downing: Request turned down

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.

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Middlesbrough have rejected Tottenham's revised bid for Stewart Downing, and also the player's transfer request.

Skysports.com understands that after having an initial £6million bid rejected at the weekend, Spurs came back with an £11million offer plus add-ons.

However, Boro chief executive Keith Lamb has confirmed that both Downing's request and Spurs' new bid were rejected.

"We received a written transfer request from Stewart this morning. It was considered before being rejected," Lamb revealed.

"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."

No O'Neil sale

Lamb also reiterated that the club would not be letting Portsmouth target Gary O'Neil leave the club during the current window.

"We have not received a transfer request from Gary but if we did receive one it would be rejected, as would any offer from another club.

"We believe that this squad of players is strong enough to substantially improve our league position and we are committed to keeping the squad together."