Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has handed in a transfer request.

Born in Middlesbrough, Stewart Downing has told his club he wants to leave.

Their chairman Steve Gibson has been quick to respond to the news surrounding Downing, particularly following the offer made for Downing by Spurs.

Middlesbrough official website:

Following speculation in the media that Spurs were interested in Boro’s England winger, the Boro chairman confirmed that a Spurs bid for Downing had been rejected.

Steve Gibson insists that no senior players will leave the Riverside during January after the club turned down an offer from Tottenham for Stewart Downing.

Downing’s transfer request suggests that Middlesbrough may have to get used to the idea of selling the winger even though they are determined not to sell to one of their relegation rivals. Both Spurs and Middlesbrough are just above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.