Gareth Southgate has stated that the claimed interest in Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is in fact not as strong as it has been previously.
Southgate was responding to reports on Sunday evening that Tottenham Hotspur had backed their reported long-term interest in England international Downing with an £8 million offer to Boro.
The Boro boss rubbished that suggestion as pure rumour, saying Downing is happy where he is and that Boro have not received any bids for his services.
“We haven’t had bids for any of our players,” Southgate told the club’s official website.
“There’s lots of talk about Stewy but we’ve had stronger interest in him in the past than we have had recently.
“Stewy loves being here and he loves playing for this club.
“He seems able to get on with things and perform no matter what is being said or what is going on, so full credit to him.”
Nevertheless, the reports about a Spurs bid even prompted Downing himself to call for a quick resolution of his immediate future.
In contrast to Southgate's assertion, Downing claimed the ongoing speculation was having a negative impac on his form.
“I am aware and flattered by the interest from Tottenham,” Downing told Sky Sports.
“But until Middlesbrough and Tottenham agree terms I remain a Middlesbrough player and am fully committed to helping Gareth Southgate and the team any way I can.
“But It goes without saying I hope this situation is resolved sooner rather than later as all the speculation is affecting me and I would like to draw a line under the situation and focus fully on my football career.”
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