Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has handed in a formal transfer request, according to Sky Sports News.
The England international has reiterated his desire to leave the club after speaking with manager Gareth Southgate.
Hours before, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insisted that the 24-year-old would not be sold with the club’s status in the Premier League is his first priority.
Tottenham have consistently been linked with the player during recent transfer windows and an offer believed to be in the region of £6 million – called 'derisory' by Gibson – was finally submitted last week.
Downing signed a new five-year contract in February last year, but he has become increasingly restless at his home town club and is now ready to test himself away from the club where he has become the highest-profile graduate of a productive academy.
Downing's father, Stewart Sr, claimes his son has little choice but to leave Middlesbrough if he wants to fulfil his ambitions.
"Stewart's been frustrated since the summer, really," he said in Times Online. "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."
Related links:
Team
Personal
The England international has reiterated his desire to leave the club after speaking with manager Gareth Southgate.
Hours before, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insisted that the 24-year-old would not be sold with the club’s status in the Premier League is his first priority.
Tottenham have consistently been linked with the player during recent transfer windows and an offer believed to be in the region of £6 million – called 'derisory' by Gibson – was finally submitted last week.
Downing signed a new five-year contract in February last year, but he has become increasingly restless at his home town club and is now ready to test himself away from the club where he has become the highest-profile graduate of a productive academy.
Downing's father, Stewart Sr, claimes his son has little choice but to leave Middlesbrough if he wants to fulfil his ambitions.
"Stewart's been frustrated since the summer, really," he said in Times Online. "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."
Please subscribe to our RSS feed to receive more updates. You can also subscribe by Email and enjoy our latest posts sent directly to your inbox.
Related links:
Team
Personal
